U.S. Pacific Command Surgeon Praises Pacific Partnership 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- U.S. Pacific Command's command surgeon joined local television station KHON2 to talk about Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10) at the station's studio in Honolulu Sept. 9.

Rear Adm. Mike Mittelman, U.S. Pacific Command's command surgeon, spoke about the significance and the overall performance of the Navy in PP10.

"Mercy is one of the symbols of America," said Mittelman. "When we send the ship to the western Pacific, it is basically saying that the United States is here to help. We are trying to build partnerships and trust with countries in the western Pacific. Mercy helped more than 100,000 patients in Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

"Our personnel performed life-saving surgeries on about 900 people, prescribed 50,000 glasses and performed dental work approximately 10,000 patients. The most important thing that we've done is build these partnerships with non-governmental agencies and these host nations. In doing so, we've been able to prepare for disaster that might be forth-coming," said Mittelman.

He also talked about the importance of Sailors having a hands-on experience during PP10.

"When the junior Sailors participate in missions like these, it changes their lives," said Mittelman. "They come back excited and they come back wanting to go on future missions."

Mittelman also visited the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Sept. 13, while it was in port at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled port visit after completing PP10.

Several ships from partner nations joined Mercy during PP10. While in Vietnam and Cambodia, Mercy operated with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ship JDS Kunisaki (LST 4003), which hosted an embarked medical team and Japanese non-governmental organizations.

During PP10, Mercy provided extensive surgical capabilities and, combined with utility boats and two embarked MH-60S helicopters, helped support a large cadre of medical and engineering professionals moving to and from their work sites ashore each day.