Pacific Angel 26-3 Concludes in Micronesia

MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF

05.03.2026

Courtesy Story

Pacific Air Forces

Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia -- Pacific Angel 26-3 took place in Ponhpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, April 24 to May 3, 2026, offering host nation members with medical services, subject matter expert exchanges and health service outreach across FSM.

Pacific Angel began in 2007, this year culminated 19 years of consistent humanitarian assistance excellence. Pacific Angel’s success continues to be a reminder of the U.S.’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific where all nations have the opportunity to thrive.

“Pacific Angel 26-3 is an amazing event that showcases what can be accomplished when nations come together and cooperate for a common goal” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chuck Gomes, Pacific Angel 26-3 mission commander. “I am thrilled to work closely with our brothers and sisters across the Pacific Ocean to enhance security alliances, learn from each other, and lend a hand in these communities through medical outreach.”

Pacific Angel 26-3 was a multi-state effort, providing humanitarian assistance/disaster relief to remain ready and resilient to any challenge. Chuuk, FSM had a large footprint, offering medical services to over 400 patients to receive physical therapy, eyecare, dental care and public health services. During Pacific Angel 26-3, members assigned to several different medical teams provided support to patients across FSM, developing long-term relationships and sustainment culture.

“The first day of care was about learning and getting comfortable with our setup - compared to now, we are much more efficient and are seeing about 50 percent more patients every day,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Ethan Cortez, 88th Operational Medical Readiness ophthalmic technician. “[we] now know the patient care flow, how to be more efficient and can provide as many patients as possible with care.”

U.S. Air Force members also conducted HSOs over the course of the exercise. During these HSOs, members went out to Akoikoi elementary school to teach dental hygiene and sanitation practices.They also went to Chuuk Highschool to teach best physical fitness practices and stretches. Finally, medical professionals provided presentations on disease prevention at Chuuk State Hospital.

“Exercises like Pacific Angel are critical for our U.S. Air Force medics to understand that our mission truly has multiple domains that we don’t encounter everyday at a military treatment facility - it also showcases the non-medical domains that are critical for us to work in this environment, whether its logistics or aircraft operations”, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Curtis Copeland, Pacific Angel 26-3 lead medical planner. “The most rewarding aspect is seeing collaboration between our U.S. Air Force members who fall back on their training and are ready to work together.” Two C-130Js assigned to the 374th Air Wing also transported supplies and personnel to different states in FSM. They provided rapid movement of cargo and personnel to each of the states to showcase the shared vision of a secure and prosperous future for all.

“This exercise is important because of the humanitarian relief we are able to provide”, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Erik Allen, 374th Airlift Squadron C-130 loadmaster. “Being able to send supplies and personnel to our host nation has been incredibly impactful.”

Pacific Air Forces continues to provide high-end and combined training exercises across the full spectrum of military operations, demonstrating humanitarian assistance/disaster response to offensive actions, search and rescue to protection of sea lines of communication upholding peace and security with our allies and partners.

• Date Taken: 05.03.2026
• Date Posted: 05.21.2026 21:49
• Story ID: 564359
• Location: FM