Pacific Partnership 2024-2 Successfully Wraps Up Mission in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

The 11-day Yap mission stop brought together more than 70 participants from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States to enhance humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Each year, the Pacific Partnership team collaborates with our allies and partners to strengthen our capacities to respond to humanitarian disasters,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73. “This mission is a testament of our commitment to ensure a safer, more resilient region. Over the past week, we have witnessed outstanding dedication from each and every person involved.”

Throughout the mission, the team executed over 50 medical events, treating around 700 patients, distributed nearly 300 pairs of eyeglasses, and performed over 30 tooth extractions. Additionally, they repaired medical equipment like dental chairs, x-ray machines, and sterilizers, and shared expertise across various disciplines.

Working with the Yap State Disaster Control Office and the U.S. Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, the Pacific Partnership HA/DR team organized workshops on emergency operations and boating safety. These workshops educated community members on the disaster response plan and how future climate impacts could affect the area.

“I thank you for the humanitarian aid accorded to our people to improve our lives, knowledge, skills, health, and well-being in dealing with disasters, repairs, and restoration of our societal construct,” said Yap Gov. Charles Chieng. “Let us march forth from this place and time, in a shared and cooperative venture for peace and stability of this here, our Yap State, region and the world.”

The host nation outreach team organized 25 community engagement events, which included school visits, cleaning and restoring World War II memorial crash sites, U.S. Navy recruiting events, interfaith dialogue sessions, and concerts from the Pacific Partnership Band, a collaboration of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Army Band.

Engineering projects saw collaboration between Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five, 30th Naval Construction Regiment, and Yapese subject matter experts, focusing on repairs and maintenance at Yap International Airport.

“Our collective efforts have included medical, engineering, disaster relief, and community outreach projects, each one highlighting the importance of partnership,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Keeler, PP 24-2 mission commander. “The success of these efforts would not have been possible without the cooperation of our Yapese hosts and the support of the local community. You have welcomed us with open arms, and we are especially grateful.”

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

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