USNS Mercy arrives in Singapore during Pacific Partnership 2018

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelsey Adams | 180320-N-RM689-0863 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 20, 2018) Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) remains anchored in waters near the Ulithi Atoll for a photography exercise while en route to the Mercy’s first mission stop of Pacific PartnMilitary Sealift Cership 2018 (PP18). PP18’s mission is to work collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific Region. Pacific Partnership, now in its 13th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey L. Adams/Released)  

SINGAPORE

04.13.2018

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelsey Adams 

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

CHANGI, Singapore – Service members and partner nation personnel participating in Pacific Partnership 2018 (PP18) aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), arrived in Changi, Singapore on April 13 for a port call.

During the visit, the crew will conduct routine maintenance, load additional supplies onto the ship, and prepare for the second mission stop in Port Kelang, Malaysia.

“The crew and I are excited to visit Singapore and to get the chance to experience this wonderful city," said Capt. David Bretz, PP18 mission commander. ”This brief visit provides a great opportunity to prepare for our next mission stop in Malaysia and build upon the momentum we have from our time in Indonesia.”

During PP18, Mercy and Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6), U.S. ships participating in PP18, are conducting visits to different Asia-Pacific nations, increasing the reach and scope of PP18 participants and host nation counterparts to conduct technical expertise exchanges in medical, engineering, and HA/DR. Additionally, key leader and community engagement events will allow for direct engagement with local citizens and enhanced relationships with partner nation military and government leadership.

Pacific Partnership, now in its 13th iteration, is the largest annual multilateral HA/DR preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. PP18’s objective is to enhance regional coordination in areas such as medical readiness and preparedness for man-made and natural disasters.

Pacific Partnership 2018 consists of more than 800 U.S. military personnel stationed worldwide, working side-by-side with host nation counterparts to be better prepared for potential humanitarian aid and disaster response situations.

• Date Taken: 04.13.2018
• Date Posted: 04.13.2018 04:20
• Story ID: 272932
• Location: SG