The USNS Mercy ship (T-AH 19) arrived in Rabaul on Sunday for the second half of its mission stop in the host nation for Pacific Partnership 2015.
According to the PP15 Public Affairs unit, while in Rabaul, PP15 workers will work and train side-by-side with the community on civic service events, safety topics, medical and veterinarian care, as well as community outreach projects.
All of the medical and dental services will be in collaboration with PNG and at the government's invitation.
"It is important that we train and work side-by-side together, including doctors and nurses in the clinics. PP15 allows us the opportunity to prepare in calm for potential crisis in the future", said Captain Melanie Merrick, the commanding officer of the medical treatment facility on board Mercy.
The Pacific Partnership crew will work in conjunction with the US Embassy in Port Moresby and the government of PNG to host two Women, Peace and Security events, including a Women in Leadership Symposium in Rabaul today and Thursday.
"We are working with the host nation to empower their women, and the activities going on in Rabaul will focus on key themes of participation, protection and partnership", said Royal New Zealand Air Force Wing Cmdr. Jennifer Atkinson, chief of staff for this year's Pacific Partnership mission.
PP15 participants on the ship and on the ground include personnel from the United States, Australia, Timor Leste, Japan and New Zealand. The hospital ship arrived with more than 900 personnel, including US Agency for International Development representatives and volunteers from eight non-governmental organisations. According to the Public Affairs unit, all PP15 personnel will work together with the PNG government and local community on various medical, dental, veterinary and civic action projects.
"During our time in Rabaul, we look forward to learning from the professionals and community leaders. We realise that working together now, before a disaster happens, is really the best way to be ready and ensure relief efforts go more smoothly when disaster strikes," said Capt. Christopher Engdahl, Pacific Partnership 2015 commander.
Pacific Partnership began in response to one of the world's most catastrophic natural disasters, the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of Southeast Asia.
Now in its tenth iteration, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.
PP15 is conducting Community Health Fairs at the Malaguna Secondary School and St. Mary's Vunapope Diocesan Hall from today to Thursday and the public can get various medical and dental check-ups and other treatment for free. Some patients have been ferried to the ship following referrals for further treatment (pictured).
USNS Mercy is 272m long and is 32m high. It has only one propeller and runs at a speed of 17.5 knots and is based in US Naval Base San Diego, California.