After Micronesia, Pacific Partnership continues in Palau, Indonesia

US Navy ships USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) concluded their Pacific Partnership 2018 engagements in the Federated States of Micronesia and are now en route to their next mission stops in Indonesia and Palau.

Expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) departed Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 1 and is heading for the Republic of Palau where the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) readiness drills are to continue.

Over 134 military personnel from the US, United Kingdom, Japan and Australia conducted 51 medical engagements and subject matter exchanges, 6 engineering projects and 22 community relations and band performances along with subject matter exchanges with local professionals on HA/DR readiness.

USNS Mercy is already in Indonesia having arrived there from the Federated States of Micronesia on March 29.

The mission in Indonesian province Bengkulu will continue through April 12 and will feature mission personnel working side-by-side with Indonesian medical professionals, participating in civil engineering projects, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) readiness drills, and partnering in community outreach engagements in the local Bengkulu community.

“We are excited to be working with our friends in Bengkulu,” said Capt. David Bretz, Pacific Partnership mission commander. “This port visit is designed to continue our strong partnership with the military and the people of Indonesia. I look forward to learning from one another and strengthing the bond between our two countries during the different exercises and events scheduled to take place.”

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral disaster response preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s mission includes military and civilian personnel from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Peru, and Japan.

After Indonesia, USNS Mercy will make mission stops in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Japan.