Son of Aurora, Neb. Resident Participates in Humanitarian Mission In South Pacific

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Michael Russell | Children watch as Petty Officer 3rd Class Antone du Preez, the lead singer of the Pacific Partnership 2011 Band sings during a community service project at Hog Harbor Park in Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. Amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland is in Vanuatu for Pacific Partnership 2011. Pacific Partnership is a five-month humanitarian assistance initiative that will make port visits to Tonga, is in Vanuatu, and will visit Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Russell)  

USS CLEVELAND, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

05.25.2011

Courtesy Story

Pacific Partnership 2011

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Russell

USS CLEVELAND, At Sea – Petty Officer 3rd Class Anton du Preez, son of Maurice and Jana du Preez, residents of Aurora, Neb. is serving as the lead singer of the Pacific Partnership 2011 Band in support of Pacific Partnership 2011 aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland.

Cleveland is the lead vessel for Pacific Partnership 2011. Pacific Partnership is the Pacific Fleet’s annual mission to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands to engage in partnerships with host nations by improving dialogue, effecting a lasting, positive change, and employing subject matter expert exchanges in order to improve the capabilities and interoperability of the U.S. and partner nations when dealing with natural and man-made disasters.

“Pacific Partnership is such an incredible mission,” said du Preez. “We are sharing goodwill and humanitarian assistance while simultaneously fostering long-lasting relationships with the nations we visit.”

Cleveland completed its mission in Tonga and will continue in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia, and the military group will be accompanied by non-government organizations like Project HOPE, Vets Without Borders, and the University of California, San Diego Pre-Dental Society.

“I can’t believe I have been given the opportunity to visit all of these beautiful islands that are inhabited by beautiful people,” said du Preez. “The chance to share our music and perform with some of the local musicians has been a terrific experience. It’s tough being away from my family at times but this is an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life.”

Pacific Partnership developed as a mission following the tsunami in 2004 which devastated Indonesia and much of the South Pacific. Since 2006, Pacific Partnership has treated 150,000 patients in 15 countries, and is supported by all U.S. uniformed services and partner nations that include Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Other nations providing teams include Canada, Spain, Malaysia, and France.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2011
• Date Posted: 05.25.2011 10:03
• Story ID: 71035
• Location: USS CLEVELAND, USAFRICOM, AT SEA