YAP, Federated States of Micronesia -- Pacific Partnership 2018, the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness mission, concluded aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) in Yap, April 1.
More than 130 military personnel from the U.S., United Kingdom, Japan and Australia conducted 51 medical engagements and subject matter exchanges, six engineering projects and 22 community service and band performances, along with subject matter exchanges with local professionals on HA/DR readiness.
Twenty-eight Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 worked alongside the community at six construction projects spread throughout the island. Projects included installing roofing and walls at the Yap Memorial Hospital, painting at the Gilman Elementary School and Early Childhood Center, door replacements at Gaanelay Elementary School and Tomilang Elementary School, and restoration of flooring and doors at the Fanif Elementary School.
The U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet “Deep Six” brass band along with military personnel aboard Brunswick participated in community-wide events including a sports day at the Yap Sports Complex, and an island-wide parade in downtown Colonia. Other events included visiting students at schools throughout Yap in playing sports, reading together and discussing about life in the U.S. military.
The medical team of audiologists, veterinarians, primary care physicians, medical technicians, dentists, dental technicians and nurses conducted a community health engagement providing health screenings to nearly 130 patients, dental care to over 70 patients and optometry support to over 60 patients.
"The U.S. is committed to the FSM," said the Honorable Robert A. Riley, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. "There is no sunset to the dedication of the protection of FSM for a free and open Pacific."
The U.S. and the Federated States of Micronesia continue a long history of friendship, having participated in the Pacific Partnership mission as host nation for five years with many Micronesia men and women having served or currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. The Pacific Partnership team aboard Brunswick will be heading to the Republic of Palau to continue the mission to strengthen national capacities and preparedness for disaster response.
Since 2006, 22 partner nations around the globe in 18 host nations have participated in Pacific Partnership providing medical care to more than 300,000 patients, veterinary services to nearly 40,000 animals and completed nearly 200 engineering projects while building meaningful and close partnerships throughout the region.