Operation Pacific Unity 14-6 comes to a close

by Staff Sgt. Amber E. N. Jacobs
Pacific Angel 14-6 Public Affairs

6/24/2014 - LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines  -- Members from the U.S. Air Force, Philippine Air Force, local contractors, government officials, teachers, students and community members gathered at Buyong Elementary School for a closing ceremony to celebrate the completion of Operation Pacific Unity 14-6, here, June 20.

From May 19 to June 20, members of the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, from Yokota Air Base, Japan, partnered with members from the 560th Air Base Wing, Mactan, Philippines, and local contractors to work on several renovations projects to the school, while also building two new classrooms from the ground-up.

The primary focus of Operation Pacific Unity 14-6 was to provide humanitarian relief assistance through the use of the Engineering Civic Action Program, or ENCAP, while promoting interoperability between the two countries.

"Not only does Pacific Unity allow us to come together to help people in need, it also helps us improve our interoperability with like-minded engineering and construction professionals in the Philippines and the region," said U.S. Air Force Col. John Womack, Pacific Air Force chief of combat support integration division, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

The operation enhances working ties and provides familiarity of working techniques during times of emergency and when disaster strikes the region.

"By working together now, we are ensuring a more rapid and integrated response for when the next real-world natural disaster or crisis strikes," Womack added.

During the ceremony, Philippine Air Force Brig. Gen. Raymundo Elefante, 560th Air Base Wing commander, Mactan Air Base, Philippines, spoke about the relationship between the two countries.

"Years ago the U.S. and Philippines formed a bond and I believe that bond is stronger today than it was back then," said Elefante. "The U.S. Air Force and Philippine Air Force worked tirelessly on this project ... because of our interoperability we are able to focus on the importance of education."

For PACAF, Pacific Unity has become a foundation to provide relief efforts throughout the region, as well as maintaining friendship and security in the region.

"These efforts are a visible expression of the Philippines' partnership with the United States," Womack said. "Pacific Unity events are a cornerstone of Pacific Air Force's relief efforts. Through Pacific Unity, we reinforce existing partnerships and will create new friendships aimed at securing a peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific region."