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LUGANVILLE, Vanuatu – The Pacific Partnership 2025 band performed at the Luganville Market, Nov. 8, bringing music and camaraderie to local vendors and community members while strengthening relationships between partner nations and the people of Vanuatu.
The concert, held in the heart of Santo’s bustling local market, drew shoppers, families, and vendors from more than 200 surrounding villages. The event enhanced regional cooperation, built trust, and fostered goodwill through shared experiences.
“The vendors are very happy with you all being here and our partnership with our government,” said Catherine Leo, market manager for the Luganville Local Market. “Thank you for caring for us and for everyone who comes to set up here. We really enjoyed the partnership together, and you can continue to come here and visit.”
Leo, who has managed the market since 2010, said the Luganville Local Market has long been a center of community and trade for local families, with some vendors traveling by horse or boat from remote villages to sell fresh fruits and vegetables.
For local resident Roslida Binihi of Ambae, the performance was a meaningful reminder of unity and friendship.
“Pacific Partnership is good to partner with one another to help other people,” said Binihi. “I shop here at the local market to get my fruits and local food, vegetables, and spices.”
Capt. Mark Stefanik, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 25, said the performance underscored the power of connection through culture.
“Music is a universal language that helps bring people together,” said Stefanik. “Events like this allow us to connect beyond uniforms and missions, celebrating the friendships and shared values that make Pacific Partnership so meaningful.”
Pacific Partnership, in its 21st iteration, is the U.S. Navy’s largest maritime humanitarian and civic assistance mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works alongside partners and allies to strengthen relationships, bolster host nation capacity to provide essential humanitarian aid, and support efforts to reduce the risk of, prepare for, and respond to disasters.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2025 00:41 |
| Story ID: | 550967 |
| Location: | LUGANVILLE, VU |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pacific Partnership 25 Band Builds Connections through Music at Luganville Market, Vanuatu, by ENS Alexis VanBuren, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
