Pacific Partnership 2024-2 Launches Dynamic Mission in Kosrae, Micronesia

The mission began with significant leadership interactions at the Kosrae State governor’s office. Present were Gov. Tulensa Palik, U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Keeler, PP24-2 mission commander, and Royal Australian Air Force Wing Cmdr. Scott Minchin, PP24-2 deputy mission commander. The kickoff featured a variety of activities from eye exams and medical training to dental chair repairs. There were also band performances at Kosrae radio station and Utwe Elementary School, as well as a community outreach event and a coastal erosion subject matter expert exchange.

The Kosrae mission, scheduled from September 17-23, includes around 40 participants from Australia and the United States. The main objective is to bolster humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The U.S. has a deep-rooted partnership with Kosrae, underscoring the strong bonds we’ve built through shared experiences with our Pacific family. Recognizing Kosrae’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the Pacific Partnership team is focused on enhancing preparedness and managing these emergencies before they happen,” said Keeler. “Through collaboration with our Australian partners and the Kosrae community, we strive to bolster disaster readiness and response, ensuring we are well-prepared in times of peace to effectively respond during crises.”

The U.S. Coast Guard will host boating safety workshops to share expertise and best practices for at-sea activities in Kosrae communities, as invited by the host nation.

Engineering efforts will consist of expert exchanges in coastal erosion and water purification. This includes site surveys to assess potential improvements in Kosrae’s drinking water infrastructure. Additionally, a playground will be constructed at a local elementary school.

The Pacific Partnership Band, featuring musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Army Band, will engage in various community events.

In collaboration with Kosrae Hospital, Pacific Partnership medical providers will deliver custom medical care. Focus areas include optometry exams, community health engagements, expert exchanges, and maintenance and repair of medical equipment.

“Pacific Partnership in Kosrae this year is poised, yet again, to deliver impactful outcomes for all those who live on the island,” said Hon. Ms. Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. “Every one of these Pacific Partnership missions showcases all that is possible when nations work together on a common goal. On behalf of the entire U.S. Embassy Team, I wish our Australian and U.S. friends and the people of Kosrae a successful mission.”

Following the December 2004 “Boxing Day” tsunami, the U.S. mobilized extensive military resources to aid relief efforts. Recognizing the opportunity to build on the goodwill and lessons learned from that effort, the U.S. Navy launched the first Pacific Partnership mission in 2006. The goal was to prepare for more effective disaster response while strengthening relationships and security ties among nations.

Now in its 20th iteration, Pacific Partnership is the U.S. Navy’s largest annual multinational HA/DR preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific. The mission collaborates with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability, increase security and stability, and foster new and enduring friendships in the region.

For more information about Pacific Partnership visit, www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership.