US hospital ship Mercy now in Philippines

From Update.Ph (Jun 28): US hospital ship Mercy now in Philippines

The United States hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) with the Pacific Partnership 2016 arrived in Legazpi City, Albay on Monday, June 27. The Timor-Leste leg of Pacific Partnership 2016 ended June 21

The US Navy said in Philippines, Pacific Partnership will work with civilian and military leadership to conduct a five day humanitarian and disaster relief seminar, cooperative health engagements throughout the province, engineering construction and renovation projects at local schools, and community relation events such as band concerts, led by the Pacific Fleet Band.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will co-host the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief workshop with Pacific Partnership 2016.

Pacific Partnership 2016 is composed of 1,000 troops from the US Pacific Fleet and Australian Navy, among others, and the world’s largest hospital ship, the USNS Mercy.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said Pacific Partnership provides an opportunity to enhance goodwill and cooperation among the region’s military forces and governments, needed during disaster relief operations, and at the same time deliver humanitarian and engineering assistance to local stakeholders.

The Philippine leg of Pacific Partnership 2016 will end July 11.

“Mercy will depart Legazpi July 11 and transit to Da Nang, Vietnam, to continue the mission. Pacific Partnership 2016 will also conduct mission stops in Malaysia and Indonesia,” the US Navy said.

http://www.update.ph/2016/06/us-hospital-ship-mercy-now-in-philippines/6825