Daughter of Claremont, Calif. Resident Participates in Humanitarian Mission In South Pacific

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tony Tolley | Lance Cpl. Shannon Hart talks on a PRC-117 Multiband Multimission Radio at the command post during the Vanuatu phase of Pacific Partnership 2011. Pacific Partnership is a five-month humanitarian assistance initiative that will make port visits to Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the Federated States of Micronesia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tony Tolley)  

USS CLEVELAND, AT SEA

05.16.2011

Courtesy Story

Pacific Partnership 2011

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Russell

USS CLEVELAND, At Sea – Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Shannon Hart, a graduate of Claremont High School and daughter of Illeana Hart, a resident of Claremont, Calif. is serving as a radio operator 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.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to work with the other military forces in a positive environment and lend a hand to those who are less fortunate than ourselves,” said Hart.

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 feel honored to be part of Pacific Partnership. Being able to see that we are making a difference is very rewarding,” said Hart. “Seeing the different cultures and visiting the beautiful islands is something I will treasure for a lifetime.”

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: 05.16.2011
• Date Posted: 05.16.2011 09:08
• Story ID: 70454
• Location: USS CLEVELAND, AT SEA