Canadian Military Embarks Mercy for Pacific Partnership 2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen M. Votaw, Pacific Partnership 2012

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Canadian armed forces medical personnel embarked Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during its scheduled port visit in Pearl Harbor May 15, to participate in Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12).

The group of 30 Canadian service members will be divided into two teams with each covering half of the deployment to work with the host nations to provide medical care in the mission ports of Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia.

"We are here aboard Mercy to support PP12," said Cpl. Benjamin Fournier, from British Columbia, Canada. "We have a team of medical technicians, nurses and a doctor that will provide aid at the medical civil action programs."

The medical civil action programs (MEDCAPs) are designed to offer a variety of medical treatments by leveraging the expertise of host nation, partner nation and NGO medical personnel.

"We will help in every way we can, from checking vitals and assessments, to working hands-on with the treatment of the patients," said Fournier.

Fournier said PP12 provides the team an opportunity to work with a multitude of experts from a range of organizations and countries.

"It's very important to us to train with other militaries," said Fournier. "If a natural disaster should occur again, we want to be prepared; it will take all of our combined efforts."

For some of the Canadian team this is the first time they have ever traveled outside their home country.

"I have never (had) the chance to travel before, and can't wait to see these places we are going," said Fournier. "I'm very fortunate to be one of only 30 service members in the whole country to be chosen to take part in PP12."

The service members were chosen from some of the best medical personnel in all of the Canadian armed forces.

"I was at home on leave when I heard the news," said Fournier. "I got a call from my command telling me that I was going to be part of PP12; I almost jumped through the roof."

In addition to the mission, working aboard a hospital ship is something he has never before experienced.

"Being aboard a ship is new to me," said Fournier. "There have been a whole lot of 'firsts' for me; from learning the proper terms, to finding my way around, it has been a very interesting experience."

"This ship is much bigger than the ships I have been on," said Master Seaman John Fillis, from British Columbia, Canada. "When I was on the HMCS Algonquian we had only 300 people and could walk from one end of the ship to the other in two minutes."

Fillis said all of the Canadian personnel have received an amazing reception from the crew since coming on board.

"Not only are people taking time out of their day to help us, but they truly seem to want to get to know us and where we come from," he said. "It is one of the most humbling experiences I can imagine, and I can't wait to get out there and start seeing patients and being an ambassador for my home country."

Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission designed to work by, with and through host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international agencies to build partnerships and a collective ability to respond to natural disasters.

During Navy Week New Orleans Wasp Sailors Strengthen Foreign Relationships

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kevin F. Johnson, USS Wasp Public Affairs

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Sailors from amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), including the commanding officer and executive officer, visited three foreign navy vessels April 19, as part of the the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration during Navy Week New Orleans.

Officers and Sailors attended receptions on board the HMCS St. John's, the Indonesian tall ship Kri Dewa Ruci and the Ecuadorian tall ship Guayas.

"Everyone has been really nice and made us feel right at home," said Chief (select) Ship's Serviceman Angela Zamora, recently selected United States Fleet Forces Sailor of the Year. "These events are important because it gives us a chance to learn about what these foreign navies do and what their mission is."

Crew members from each ship treated guests to food, drinks and entertainment including traditional music, dances and cultural craft from each foreign nation.

"It was impressive and inspiring to see such rich Naval heritage preserved and remaining active in a 21st century environment," said Capt. Brian Teets, Wasp's executive officer. "To experience the variety of cultural differences was enjoyable and enlightening."

Hosts of the event recognized the historical significance of the War of 1812 as a driving force in forming strong alliances between the different nations.

"We formed many allies during that war," said Cmdr. James A. Clarke, commanding officer of the HMCS St. John's. "It truly is inspiring to see those relationships continue so strongly today."

Wasp leadership uses events such as these to help strengthen relationships with the Navy's foreign allies and preserve the Navy's presence and image.

"Regardless of the event or ship type, these meetings are about building military relationships," said Teets. "These relationships help to lay the foundation for military cooperation in the future."

Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command Supports Exercise Bold Alligator 2012

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW/AW) Molly Treece, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC) conducted a synthetic underwater mine-clearing exercise in support of exercise Bold Alligator 2012 (BA12) at Naval Warfare Development Command onboard Naval Station Norfolk Feb 3.

BA12 is the East Coast's largest joint and multinational amphibious assault exercise in 10 years and is an opportunity for NMAWC mine warfare battle staff to integrate with a combined force maritime component commander to support amphibious operations by mitigating and disabling underwater anti-access/area-denial efforts. The exercise reinforces the role mine countermeasure forces play in enabling Marine Corps' forces to launch ashore.

"It's extraordinarily valuable that the Navy and Marine Corps' team, as sister services, conduct this exercise," Rear Adm. (select) Ken Perry, vice commander, NMAWC and the mine warfare commander of Bold Alligator. "This is to regenerate that partnership and renew those capabilities as sister services, to train as we operate. It's really very valuable."

NMAWC's mission includes providing mine warfare commander battle staff to support operational maritime component commanders in executing operational control of air, surface and underwater mine countermeasure forces.

During Bold Alligator, as the Mine Warfare commander, Perry coordinates the efforts of more than 320 mine warfare Sailors across several U.S. and coalition platforms and units.

Mine warfare forces participating in the exercise include Mine Countermeasures Squadron 3, Mine Countermeasures Division 31, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Mine Warfare platoons from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units 1, 6, 12; as well as Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center's Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Platoon and the Naval Oceanographic Office's Data Fusion Cell.

Lt. Cmdr. Tyrone David, the Canadian liaison officer for the exercise, said that operating with Canadian and United Kingdom dive units and UUVs increases U.S. and coalition mine warfare proficiency. "We train as we fight. It's a tremendous rehearsal for real-life operations."

Divers operated from Canadian Kingston Class coastal defense vessels HMCS Summerside (MM 711) and HMCS Moncton (MM 708).

BA12 will be a live and synthetic, scenario-driven, simulation-supported exercise designed to train Expeditionary Strike Group 2, Second Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2nd MEB) and Carrier Strike Group 12. Staffs will plan and execute a MEB-sized amphibious assault from a seabase in a medium land-and-maritime threat environment to improve naval amphibious core competencies.

The exercise is in its second week and will run through Feb. 12, ashore and afloat, in and off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.

Pacific Partnership 2011 Departs Timor-Leste

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Farrington, Pacific Partnership 2011 Public Affairs

DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- The Pacific Partnership 2011(PP11) team departed Dili, Timor-Leste after completing the fourth phase of the mission, June 25.

Amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7), the flagship for PP11, conducted humanitarian assistance /disaster response (HA/DR) operations in Timor-Leste with civilian volunteers and military representatives from four of the U.S. service branches, as well as servicemembers from Australia, Canada, Spain, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.

The multinational team engaged in community service, medical, dental, engineering, and veterinary civic action projects. Nearly 11,000 Timorese received treatment at the medical availabilities where host nation medical professionals worked alongside the PP11 team.

President Jose Ramos-Horta attended the departure reception aboard Cleveland, and offered his thanks to the PP11 team for their performance.

"We hope you will return to our country as soon as possible," he said.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet sponsored mission is aimed at improving quality of life for the residents of Timor-Leste and all host nations while enhancing interoperability between host and partner nations.

"Whether we are working together to help disaster victims, or building a prosperous Timor-Leste, the relationships built during Pacific Partnership are the foundation for a peaceful future," said Ambassador Judith R. Fergin, U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste has been a Pacific Partnership mission port four out of six years since the mission began in 2006.

"Our repeat visits in Timor-Leste are having a long-lasting impact on the country," said U.S. Navy Capt. Jesse A. Wilson, mission commander of PP11 and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23, during a talk he had with 150 students who attended a two-day training session provided by the PP11 medical contingent at Universidade de Paz. "Our mission in this part of the world continues to evolve, as we fine-tune our skills, improve interoperability with partner and host nations, engage in sustainable quality of life projects, and continue to build our relationship with countries in this region."

In addition to seeing nearly 11,000 medical and dental patients, the medical contingent filled 9,151 prescriptions, gave out 5,894 pairs of glasses, and cared for 284 animals all during 27 events at six different medical, dental and veterinary civic action projects spanning across eight of the thirteen districts in the island nation.

"We deployed a wide variety of medical experts working together to provide the best medical care possible for the Timorese people," said Cmdr. Michael Smith, director of medical operations for Pacific Partnership. "Personnel and resources were managed efficiently by our leadership; because of that, we were able to provide close to 11,000 people with medical care."

The engineering team, comprised of U.S. Navy Seabees and Australian Sappers, completed two engineering projects including refurbishing the "Gedung Serba Guna Matahari Terbit (GMT)" gym, which is part of the Olympic training center for the island nation.

The team of experts poured new concrete floors, sealed the roof, painted the entire structure, landscaped the exterior of the building, and remodeled the entire electrical system. They also provided Becora, Timor-Leste with a 10,000 liter water tank which will add much-needed increased water capacity to the local village.

"The repairs to the GMT gym will benefit the youth of Timor-Leste by providing them with a safe place for exercise and play," said Lt. Michael Sardone, officer in charge of civil engineering for Pacific Partnership 2011. "It also doubles as an evacuation center in the event of a natural disaster and was ineffective in that capacity until the recent refurbishment."

Multinational servicemembers also had the opportunity to interact with the people of Dili through charity, sports and community service projects, to include participation and support during the second annual Dili City of Peace marathon.

"Taking the time to come see the Timorese people in their element gives our team members an opportunity to see a different side of the people they're helping," said Lt. Phillip Ridley, PP11 Chaplain. "At community service projects, the host nationals aren't just patients who might need a specific treatment. These are people who deserve our care and compassion as human beings."

Pacific Partnership worked together with various charities, including Project Handclasp, the Navy's worldwide outreach program, to deliver more than 70 pallets of medical supplies, sports balls, school supplies, water filters, and personal hygiene items to the people of Timor-Leste.

"The donated items were made available by the generosity of the American people," Ridley said. "However, it was important to ensure that the donated items were things they could replenish on their own or maintain themselves."

By developing sustainable improvements in the quality of life with the Timorese, PP11 is able to enhance Timor-Leste's ability to operate as a partner in times of crisis.

Pacific Partnership is an annual humanitarian assistance initiative sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, aimed at improving interoperability between host and partner nations. This year, Pacific Partnership has completed its mission in Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. It will continue on to the Federated States of Micronesia, the final mission port for PP11.

During the past five years, Pacific Partnership has provided medical, dental, educational, and preventive medicine services to more than 241,000 people and completed more than 150 engineering projects in 15 countries.

Pacific Partnership Team Competes in Dili Marathon for Peace

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Michael Russell, Pacific Partnership 2011 Public Affairs

DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- Fifty Pacific Partnership 2011 team members ran in Timor-Leste's second annual "Marathon for Peace" in Dili, June 18.

Sponsored by Timor-Leste President Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, the race is designed to promote peaceful social conditions in order to support national stability, sovereignty and unity in the island nation.

The event included a full marathon (42km), a half-marathon (21km), and a 7km "fun" run. With more than 6,500 people in attendance, Pacific Partnership members supported the event by running in the race, providing medical support, and performing live music for the participants.

During an awards ceremony after the race, Ramos-Horta, a Nobel laureate, thanked Capt. Jesse A. Wilson, Pacific Partnership 2011 mission commander, and the entire Pacific Partnership team for attending the race and being in Timor-Leste.

"I want to mention the presence of Pacific Partnership being here in Timor-Leste," said Ramos-Horta. "Capt. Wilson, you are very welcome here, so consider this a welcome for your country to come here as often as you can."

Pacific Partnership is an annual humanitarian assistance initiative sponsored by U.S. Pacific Fleet. Aimed at improving interoperability between host and partner nations, the team is comprised of volunteers from non-governmental organizations, representatives from partner nation militaries, such as Australia, Japan, Canada, Spain, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and representatives of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps.

"The devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, was the genesis for this mission," Wilson said. "The leadership in our country decided that we would return to this region annually, and this year our doctors, nurses, engineers, and veterinarians are working side by side with Timor-Leste's doctors, nurses, engineers, and veterinarians to provide an increased quality of care for the people of Timor-Leste, as well as increased capacity and sustainable services."

Legalman 1st Class Kenya Desroches, who ran the half-marathon, was surprised by the amount of people in attendance.

"Stepping into the race, at first I felt overwhelmed because there were so many people there, but I got into a groove and everything went smooth," said Desroches. "Wow, I've never actually seen that many people in one place at one time, especially in a race."

During the past two months, the Pacific Partnership team has treated more than 20,000 patients, provided 25 surgeries, completed ten engineering projects, cared for nearly 1,000 animals, engaged in nearly 30 community service projects, and developed countless friendships in Tonga, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

During the past five years, Pacific Partnership has provided medical, dental, veterinary, educational, and preventive medicine services to more than 230,000 people and completed more than 150 engineering projects in 15 countries.

Navy Ships Arrive in Portland for 104th Annual Rose Festival

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Nathan Lockwood, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates USS Ingraham (FFG 61) and USS McClusky (FFG 41) arrived in Portland, Ore. to celebrate the 104th annual Rose Festival, June 9.

Throughout the week, Sailors will have an opportunity to enjoy premier events of the festival including the Rose Festival Golf Tournament and Rose Parade, live music, food, entertainment and various sports competitions among ships.

"I'm excited to be here 'cause the people here are nice and really like the military," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Steven Santillanes, stationed aboard USS Lake Champlain. "It's a positive event because people get to experience the Navy up close and personal."

The Portland visit offers the public an opportunity to tour the ships and meet Sailors as they showcase their ship's capabilities.

"It is very different to see something that you don't see a lot of from where I'm from," said Mark Gilchrist, of Longview, Wash. who embarked aboard Lake Champlain on the ship's transit into Portland. "I think it puts a real personal touch on the Navy. I got to talk to the crew members, and I brought some young ones that had a chance to see what it was like and if the Navy was something they would be interested in."

In addition to the three U.S. Navy ships, ships from U.S. Coast Guard, the Canadian Maritime Forces and the Army Corps of Engineers are also participating in Fleet Week.

Navy warships have been coming to the City of Roses since USS Charleston's visit in 1907 and are considered a highlight of the festival.