Pacific Partnership 2010 in Full Swing after Opening Ceremony in Vietnam
By Mass Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew JacksonQUY NHON, Vietnam - Government officials from Vietnam and the United States, as well as some members from USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) that comprise the Pacific Partnership 2010 team, gathered at the Port of Quy Nhon Fleet Landing May 31st for the opening ceremony of Pacific Partnership 2010.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee and Mission Co-Commander, officially opened Pacific Partnership 2010 in Vietnam. Guest speakers included Mission Commander for Pacific Partnership 2010, Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti, and U.S. Embassy Hanoi Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Virginia Palmer.
Also in attendance was the Surgeon General of the Navy and Chief of Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., who was pleased to see Pacific Partnership in action.
"Pacific Partnership’s visit to Vietnam is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, demonstrating our continued commitment to work together to address mutual issues and concerns," said Vice Adm. Robinson.
During the Pacific Partnership 2010’s visit to Vietnam, Mercy crewmembers from all four military services and partners from six nations and ten non-governmental organizations will conduct medical, dental, and engineering civic action programs as well as engage in community service projects across the Binh Dinh Province.
In addition to Mercy anchored off Quy Nhon, the Japan Self Defense Force will provide a medical team embarked on JDS Kunisaki (LST 4003) to work alongside the multi-national team from Mercy at several medical civic action programs.
"People from all these organizations, all of these countries, will be working side-by-side, learning from you and learning from each other while forming strong bonds and friendships," said Capt. Lisa Franchetti.
The fifth in a series of U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors, Pacific Partnership is designed to strengthen regional partnerships among U.S. government organizations, host nations, partner nations, and international humanitarian and relief organizations.
"Pacific Partnership reflects the United States of America’s steadfast commitment to working with Vietnam and other nations in the region to promote peace, security, and stability," said Ms. Virginia Palmer.
This article was originally published at: http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2010/05-may/26.htm
(Posted June. 03, 2010)