CSG-1, Royal Australian Defense Forces Team Up

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rosa A. Arzola, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) welcomed six Royal Australian Defense Force (RADF) officers aboard, April 29 - May 2, giving them an opportunity to observe a U.S. aircraft carrier in action as the ship continues its deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) officers Lt. Cmdr. Michael Jagger, Lt. Daniel Boettger, Lt. Stephen Blume, Lt. Liam Walters; and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lts. John Micuvand Chad Myles, have since participated in various simulated battle scenario exercises alongside Vinson and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors.

Blume and Walters are both fighter controllers in the RAN, equivalent to a U.S. Navy air intercept controller (AIC). They participated in flight operations by assisting Vinson's AICs in the ship's Combat Direction Center, controlling live aircraft and communicating tactical maneuvers for air defense.

"When they go back to their ships, they are going to take some of the duties some of our cruisers [conduct] now for future joint exercises - [which is to] assist our aircraft carrier in communicating with our fighters where unidentified aircraft [are located]," explained Strike Group Air Intercept Control Supervisor Chief Operations Specialist Greg Glaeser, assigned to CVW-17. "Our fighters then find, identify and evaluate that unknown air contact to later determine what actions to take."

Glaeser said the Australians' transition to working Vinson's flight operations was seamless.

"They are very knowledgeable. They definitely know their job," Glaeser said. "Some pilots who participated in the flying events mentioned they performed an outstanding job."

Blume said this experience has increased his professional knowledge on a broader scale.

"This is the greatest thing that could have happened to me this year so far," Blume said. "It was something new for me."

Walter explained since the RAN does not currently operate aircraft carriers, the opportunity to participate in flight operations while out to sea is a rare one.

"We gain experience by working with the U.S. Navy, swapping techniques and just learning from each other," Walters said. "What better way to build relationships within our navies than to train together? We fight wars together, why not train together?"

Micu and Myles are air combat officers in the RAAF who conduct airborne early warning missions. They run the mission equipment and use radars to communicate with pilots.

Myles explained although they do not perform their job while out to sea, the knowledge they acquired from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 will help them assist the RAN from their position on the shore.

"We do a lot of work with our navy and the U.S. Navy, as well. I work in an airborne commanding control platform," Myles said. "We are used to working with agencies from other countries."

Meanwhile, Jagger and Boettger, both meteorology operations officers, primarily worked in the Meteorology Room training Vinson Sailors to understand the region's weather dynamics, specifically dynamics surrounding Vinson's southern transit toward Australia. Jagger noted a numerical model is necessary in order to make weather predictions in the region due to a lack of real-time observation systems.

"There are slight differences between all these programs, and you can take different approaches to solving the weather. Our model is just for our (Australian) region. We successfully tweaked it over the years to give the best performance in terms of weather prediction," he said. "We are providing high-resolution models of what's happening in terms of wind, swell data, long-range forecasting, and then the U.S. Navy can compare it to their models back home and have the option to scale it."

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mike Svatek, assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 as a staff meteorology and oceanography (METOC) officer, worked closely with Jagger and Boettger. He explained their assistance and training in providing weather forecasting and oceanographic data not only helped out Sailors onboard, it also built closer partnerships within both the naval services.

"If there were real-world operations where partnership was required, the RADF are already tuned into our battle rhythm," Svatek said. "They understand what is expected, such as chain-of-command reporting, [and] briefing schedules. Therefore, they can coordinate their information-sharing with us and us with them. This understanding highlights the value of timely and accurate information sharing to the decision-making process and, ultimately, to mission accomplishment."

"We never pass up an opportunity to work with the United States Navy," Jagger added. "This experience allowed us to understand how you guys work, operations-wise, and vice versa."

Battle of Coral Sea Remembered by Veterans, U.S. and Royal Australian Navies In Brisbane, Australia

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Farrington, USS Halsey Public Affairs

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- More than 50 U.S. Sailors and distinguished guests attended the Australian-American Association 70th anniversary of the Battle of Coral Sea commemoration ceremony at Newstead Park in Brisbane, Australia, May 5.

Throughout the service, speakers paid tribute to the special connection between the two countries and the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano delivered a speech and a message from President Barack Obama before laying a wreath at the foot of the Australian American War memorial.

"The United States has no stronger ally than Australia," she said. "Aussies and Americans have fought together and given lives together at every single major conflict over the last 100 years."

Also in attendance was Harry Frey, a former Sailor who served aboard USS Lexington (CV-2) during the Battle of Coral Sea.

"It was great to see so many people gathered together in honor of the men and women who fought during the Battle of Coral Sea," said Frey.

Lexington was sunk during the Battle of Coral Sea when the ship was damaged and set on fire by Imperial Japanese torpedo-bombers. Frey is one of few survivors who made it to safety.

"It could've been me, I was just lucky," said Frey. "Right after we came back up from the sick bay to help the doctors, it blew up. I went back up on the flight deck and the guys were abandoning ship. When they were going over the side I kept saying we are going to make it, they are going to salvage us".

"All of a sudden the ship dropped 10 degrees on the port side and I thought she was going to roll then, so we decided it was time to leave."

For Yeoman 2nd Class Robert Raynor, a Sailor assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), being able to pay respects to the veterans who fought for their country during World War II was a humbling experience.

"I've read about the Battle of Coral Sea quite a few times, but being able to hear about it in person from people that were their was an amazing experience," said Raynor.

Distinguished visitors also laid wreaths at the foot of the war memorial at Newstead Park. The ceremony included a flyover by two World War II aircraft from each country, a Wirraway and a PT-6 Texan.

Australian Military Visits NECC Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven C. Hoskins, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (NNS) -- Twenty-eight members of the Australian navy, army, and air force visited Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Oct. 24.

Australian Forces met with Sailors from the expeditionary community to see how they operate and to learn about NECC capabilities.

"We wanted to visit NECC as part of our Australian Command and Staff course," said Australian navy Lt. Cmdr. Glen Price. "Australia is looking to add expeditionary forces in the future so being able to see NECC capabilities will give us a bigger picture and aid us in working better as coalition forces."

The tour included hands-on displays of NECC forces along with demonstrations of explosive ordnance disposal robots, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), dive equipment and riverine boats.

"It's amazing to see all the capabilities that NECC has and all the different parts that go together successfully," said Australian navy Cmdr. Rebecca Jeffcoat.

Australian forces plan to take what they learned back to their operating commands.

"One of the biggest gaps in our forces that NECC has is riverine forces," said Jeffcoat. "I plan to make the riverine capabilities one of my topics in my report along with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). I think those items could be used in [the] Australian navy."

NECC serves as the single functional command for the Navy's expeditionary forces and as central management for the readiness, resources, manning, training and equipping of those forces. NECC forces include riverines; naval construction; explosive ordnance disposal; maritime expeditionary Security; Expeditionary intelligence; expeditionary Logistics; maritime civil affairs; security force assistance; expeditionary combat readiness and expeditionary training.

"Australian forces here today are very appreciative of the hospitality that NECC has shown our forces," said Jeffcoat. "We look forward to visits like this in future."

George Washington Returns to Yokosuka

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman, USS George Washington (CVN 73) Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- After 74 days at sea and logging more than 25,000 nautical miles across the western Pacific, the Navy's only full-time, forward-deployed, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to its forward-operating port of Yokosuka, Japan, Aug. 25.

While underway, George Washington conducted training, participated in exercises and represented the U.S. by hosting distinguished visitors from nearly a half-dozen different nations, including Japan, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

"Our mission is to help ensure security and stability across the western Pacific, and we stand the watch day and night while we are at sea," said George Washington Commanding Officer Capt. David Lausman. "Our crew has worked very hard during this patrol so we're excited to come home for a reunion with our families and friends."

While George Washington has only been underway for three months, the ship's return to Yokosuka reunites families who have been apart for nearly seven months. Many families were evacuated before the ship pulled out and only just recently returned to Japan.

"Our crew has been booking trips around Japan like crazy," said Rebekah McKoy, George Washington's Morale, Welfare and Recreation director. "I think they're really excited to finally get to spend some time together and celebrate their reunion."

Following the completion of carrier qualifications, George Washington began its most recent patrol June 12, heading south through the Sunda Strait en route to Australia for the biannual exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.

"The narrowest point in the strait is just two miles wide and the water is only 18 meters deep," said Cmdr. Wes McCall, George Washington's navigator. "If the ship keel was sitting on the sea floor right now, the mast would be sticking out of the waters, it's that shallow."

Off the coast of Australia, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 launched off the bow as the U.S. and Australia trained together to improve both nation's combat readiness and interoperability. In addition to George Washington, 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel participated in Talisman Sabre.

"Talisman Sabre [allowed] the U.S. and Australian navies to work together to train and validate in a joint warfighting environment," said Capt. John Schultz, commander, Destroyer Squadron 15. "[We were able to] conduct interoperability by [sharing tactics and procedures], making sure they were all fleshed out and ready to go."

At the end of the exercise, George Washington hosted U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich for a tour of the ship and an opportunity to speak with George Washington Sailors about the importance of the U.S. alliance with Australia.

"If you look at our relationship, it began with a visit from the Great White Fleet [in 1908] and has been built upon since then just from our commitment to the security and prosperity of the Pacific," said Bleich.

After 57 days at sea, the carrier made its first port visit; a five day stop in Laem Chabang, Thailand. While there, the ship hosted 500 local dignitaries during a reception in the hangar bay, participated in a dozen community service projects and coordinated public tours for nearly 1,000 people. Among those taking a tour of the ship was George Washington's first royal visitor, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, a member of Thailand's royal family.

"I am always thrilled to have people tour our ship; It's a great opportunity for them to meet our crew and learn about what we do," said Lausman. "People may be impressed with the ship, but the ship is just 100,000 tons of steel. Our Sailors are our real secret weapon."

USS George Washington Crew Safely Navigates Through Sunda Strait

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard forward-deployed, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) successfully navigated the ship through the Sunda Strait July 6.

The strait links the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.

"There is a lot that can go wrong during this evolution. The narrowest point in the straits is just two miles wide and the water is only 18 meters deep," said Cmdr. Wes McCall, George Washington's navigator. "If the ship's keel was sitting on the sea floor right now, the mast would be sticking out of the waters - it's that shallow."

To assist George Washington, ships from the Australian and Indonesian navies escorted the carrier through the tricky waterway.

The Sunda Strait, which separates Java from Sumatra, is also busy with hundreds of smaller commercial ships moving commerce around the globe.

"The trickiest part is contact avoidance, making sure that we all get through here safely. That's the only thing on my mind right now," said McCall.

To mitigate that danger, George Washington's lookouts were out in full force, armed with binoculars and sound powered phones to instantly report any hazards.

"We had our work cut out for us today," said Chief Quartermaster (SW/EXW) Jarrod Collins of George Washington's Navigation Department. "For transits like this, it sometimes takes a couple of days to prepare - sometimes a couple of weeks. We research the area we're traveling through, make sure we are aware of the restrictions and that we are adhering to them."

While it is easy to be swept away by the beauty of the clear blue water and passing islands, the crew of George Washington was reminded that the Sunda Strait is also a graveyard for U.S. and Allied Sailors from World War II. In 1942, cruiser USS Houston (CA 30) and HMAS Perth (D 29) were sunk in the Sunda Strait by Imperial Japanese forces.

"All the waters of the 7th Fleet area of responsibility are steeped in history," said Capt. David Lausman, George Washington's commanding officer. "Our crew gains valuable insight, professionalism and understanding in all waters that we navigate."

The average age of the crew aboard George Washington is just 26 years old. To successfully navigate a massive 1,092 foot-long carrier for nearly 12 hours through a busy and tricky waterway is a credit to the skill of these young Sailors.

"We have some young quartermasters aboard, as well as Sailors who have only been doing the job for a few months. To see them navigating these waters is very impressive," said McCall. "These guys are the best that we have, and I'm very proud of them."

George Washington returned to patrolling the waters of the Western Pacific June 12 after departing the ship's forward operating base of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. There are more than 5,500 Sailors, from George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5, on board the ship.

George Washington's mission is to ensure security and stability in the Western Pacific and to be in position to work with our allies and regional partners to respond to any crisis across the operational spectrum as directed.

Essex ARG Embarks 31st MEU for Talisman Sabre 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran, USS Essex Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) embarked more than 2,000 Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, June 27, for exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.

Talisman Sabre 2011 is a biennial activity for Australia and the United States to improve and validate their readiness and interoperability as a combined joint task force.

"The purpose of the MEU embarking aboard Essex is to bring all the assets required to conduct amphibious raids, assaults, humanitarian assistance, noncombatant evacuation operations and tactical exercises during the deployment," said Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Perez, Amphibious Squadron 11 combat cargo assistant. "We come prepared with more than just what is needed for the U.S.-Australian exercise; we plan for real world contingencies as well."

The combat cargo departments of USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) moved more than 110 vehicles and 320 pieces of cargo aboard the ships. Additionally, they helped load elements of the battalion landing team, ground combat element, aviation combat element and combat logistics battalion.

The MEU has also been making preparations since last year for an Australian government quarantine inspection on all of its aircraft, vehicles and equipment.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is responsible for enforcing Australian quarantine laws. The Essex ARG and 31st MEU will coordinate with AQIS to ensure the safety of all ARG and MEU assets, Australian exercise participants and Australian citizens.

Lt. Col. William Arick, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 31, said the inspection is the Australian government's way of ensuring the country is not contaminated with a plant or animal that is not native and does not have any natural predators.

"To ensure we were able to clean and prepare our equipment to stringent agricultural standards for Australia, Marines across the MEU had to disassemble our vehicles and equipment," said Arick. "We cleaned every piece individually and spent countless hours pressure washing the vehicles from top to bottom. We worked hand-in-hand with Australian inspectors to ensure every item was clean and without any dirt or other contaminants."

Talisman Sabre 2011 will give the Essex ARG Sailors and 31st MEU Marines the opportunity to integrate during operations in a combined and joint environment, working alongside their Australian counterparts.

For many of the Sailors aboard Essex, it is their first ship deployment and their first time working with Marines.

"This is my fourth deployment where we have had to integrate with Marines in our shop," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Katherine Zehner, Amphibious Squadron 11 fleet intelligence watch officer. "We get along really well in our shop, and we our coordinating together on certain missions for Talisman Sabre."

The Essex ARG includes forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown. With the embarked 31st MEU, the Essex ARG will join 11,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel for participation in Talisman Sabre 2011.

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.

Australian Navy Delivers Veterinary Care during Pacific Partnership 2011

By Leading Seaman Imagery Specialist Helen Frank, Royal Australian Navy

DILI, Timor Leste (NNS) -- Veterinarians and technicians from the U.S Army, Australian Army, Spanish Navy and non-government organizations World Vets and Vets without Borders, concluded a four-day mission to provide veterinary care for the residents of Puno, Timor-Leste, June 20-23.

They were there as part of Pacific Partnership, an annual humanitarian assistance mission. During the course of the last two months, the Pacific Partnership team has treated more than 30,000 patients, completed 19 engineering civic action projects, cared for more than 400 animals, engaged in nearly 30 community service projects, and developed friendships in Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

The majority of animals seen by the veterinarians included dogs and pigs. The animals were neutered as well as treated for fleas and worms.

"It was exciting to be working in the field," said U.S. Army Captain Hakim Hamici. "We looked after a lot of domestic animals. This helps the well being of both the animal and its owner. The village people were very thankful, and we were happy that they were so receptive."

There was also an opportunity for information exchanges with visits by local agricultural students and volunteers from the Timorese Animal Lovers Society. Pacific Partnership veterinarians exchanged information about disease control and animal handling while learning more about how Timorese communities manage livestock.

The Pacific Partnership team was transported to the remote location of Puno via two Royal Australian Navy Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) ships. These 'pick up trucks of the sea' are 132 feet in length and can carry a maximum of 180 tons of cargo. Their shallow draft makes them ideal for delivering people and equipment to areas that are otherwise unreachable by larger ships. This capability is exactly what missions like Pacific Partnership require in order to bring assistance to remote locations.

"Without the contribution of our Australian partners, many people in the country might not even hear of Pacific Partnership and what we're trying to achieve," said Capt. Jesse A. Wilson, Pacific Partnership 2011 mission commander. "The LCHs' capabilities carry our message and support to the countryside, which is frequently hardest hit by natural disasters."

This is the second time the Royal Australian Navy LCHs have supported Pacific Partnership 2011. They also transported people and equipment to three remote locations in Vanuatu to conduct medical, dental and veterinary civic action programs.

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. This year, the Pacific Partnership team has completed missions in Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. The mission will conclude in the Federated States of Micronesia.

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.