Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) concluded its second mission stop in Legazpi, Philippines, Aug. 13, at a closing ceremony hosted aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9) at the Legazpi City Port.
In a collaborative effort between Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States, PP24-2 participants held basic first aid workshops for 98 members of the community; taught health and music fundamentals to 2,776 local students; facilitated training for search and rescue professionals and K-9s; organized a multinational conference with faith community leaders; provided free spay and neuter clinics including rabies vaccinations for 281 cats and dogs; performed eight public concerts for approximately 7,500 people with the Philippine Navy Seabees Band; and renovated a building at Legazpi Port Elementary School.
The Pacific Partnership team also worked with the Legazpi City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to test the city’s tsunami response plan for the first time.
“Pacific Partnership brings nations together to prepare in calm to respond in crisis,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Keeler, PP24-2 mission commander. “Multilateral efforts with the local government and military representatives alike are crucial to laying the groundwork for Indo-Pacific disaster response preparedness, maritime security and stability.”
The largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Partnership enables participants, including U.S. and Philippine personnel, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships.
LEGAZPI, Philippines (Aug. 13, 2024) – U.S. Hawaii Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Walter Ross, gives a speech during the Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) Philippines mission stop closing ceremony onboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9) in Legazpi, Philippines, Aug. 13, 2024. Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gavin Arnoldhendershot)
In addition to mission leadership, the Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal and Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox, commander Southern Luzon Command, also attended the closing ceremony.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the services and projects you have shared with us and our community,” said Mayor Rosal. “Our collaboration is a testament that we can do great things if we put our efforts together for the benefit of the people.”
In the aftermath of the December 2004 “Boxing Day” tsunami that devastated parts of South and Southeast Asia, the United States mobilized numerous military assets and personnel to support the relief effort. Recognizing the opportunity to build on the goodwill and lessons learned from that initial mission, the U.S. Navy planned and executed the inaugural Pacific Partnership (PP) mission in 2006; its primary aim was to proactively prepare for a more effective response to natural disasters while strengthening relationships and security ties between nations.
The Pacific Partnership mission brings a unique opportunity for collaboration and cooperation to the Indo-Pacific in a deliberate, sustainable, and transparent way by working to enhance the knowledge, experience, and capacity of all participants.
“Building upon the success of last year’s Pacific Partnership, we have strengthened our collaboration, expanded our capabilities and deepened our commitment to regional resilience,” said Palafox. “This year’s progress is a clear reflection of our dedication to enhancing the partnerships that are essential to our collective security and humanitarian efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The United States stands ready to assist when called upon and continuously demonstrates its commitment to the region. Recent relief efforts include the 2023 volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea, 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, 2018 Super Typhoon Yutu relief efforts in Northern Mariana Islands, 2016 earthquake relief efforts in New Zealand, 2013 relief efforts in the Philippines for Operation Damayan in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan, and 2011 relief efforts during Operation Tomodachi in Japan following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Pacific Partnership 2024-2 will conduct mission stops in Vietnam and the Federated States of Micronesia.
