Humanitarian mission focuses on Oceanic nations

U.S. Pacific Fleet’s annual Pacific Partnership humanitarian mission will take place in the Oceania region over a four-month period beginning this month using the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor, the Navy said.

The Australian ship HMAS Tobruk and the New Zealand ship HMNZS Canterbury will also serve as command platforms.

Nations receiving help during the eighth Pacific Partnership mission will include Samoa, Tonga, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kiri­bati and the Solomon Islands.

"The U.S. Pacific Fleet is always prepared for battle, but we also operate to preserve the peace," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, who commands the Pacific Fleet from Pearl Harbor. "Ultimately, missions such as Pacific Partnership strengthen relationships that are critical to deter conflict."

Last year Mercy personnel conducted more than 900 surgeries, evaluated and treated more than 49,000 people and provided more than 7,000 veterinary services during Pacific Partnership, the Navy said.

This year, U.S. Navy forces will be joined by nongovernmental organizations and regional partners that include Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand to improve maritime security, conduct humanitarian assistance and strengthen preparations for responding to disasters.

Australia will lead the mission’s phase in Papua New Guinea, New Zealand will lead in Kiri­bati and the Solomon Islands, while the United States will lead in Samoa, Tonga and the Marshall Islands.

"Sharing of lead responsibilities and logistical resourcing among partner nations will keep this incredibly impactful mission sustainable in light of future fiscal challenges," said Capt. Wallace Lovely, commander of Hawaii-based Destroyer Squadron 31, who will lead this year’s mission.