U.S. Navy Ship Arrives in Philippines to Conduct Community Projects:
Ambassador Kenney Turns Over Donation to DSWD

A U.S. Navy ship arrived in Manila on June 18 for the first leg of a regional goodwill mission. As part of the “Pacific Partnership” mission, the USS Peleliu (LHA 5) will work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deliver donated goods such as clothes, toys, food, and medical supplies; provide free health clinics for citizens in poor or remote communities; and conduct engineering projects to construct and improve schools and public buildings.

During the June 18 Welcome Ceremony for the USS Peleliu, held pierside in the Manila Port, Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney said that she is “pleased to continue today the proud tradition of partnership between our militaries and governments. This partnership is about ensuring a better tomorrow for our peoples. I know the future holds many more opportunities for our nations to work together on a shared vision for development, peace, and opportunity for our peoples and for the citizens of Southeast Asia.”

Pictured above during the event, Ambassador Kenney and Commodore Bruce Stewart (far left), head of the Pacific Partnership deployment, present Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Esperanza Cabral a donation of goods for remote communities in need. Undersecretary of National Defense Ernesto Carolina (far right) officially welcomed the USS Peleliu to the Philippines during the event. The donated items were collected by Project Handclasp, a San Diego-based charity, and transported to the Philippines by the U.S. Navy. The 11 pallets of goods donated included medical supplies, clothing, toys, and livelihood and sports equipment.

USS Peleliu and its personnel will visit Manila, the Bicol Region, Cotabato, and Jolo, reflecting the longstanding ties between our two countries as well as our continued commitment to work together to assist people in need of humanitarian outreach. The projects being completed during Pacific Partnership include building houses for citizens left those left homeless by typhoons; assisting in flood control projects; reparing improving hospitals; offering free medical care, including minor surgery; and building or repairing schools.

Pacific Partnership is a unique humanitarian mission that brings together U.S. Military personnel not only with host nation military medical personnel, but also with medical and engineering specialists from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), private charitable groups, and third-country medical personnel. These military and civilian volunteers will offer humanitarian-assistance programs ashore and afloat in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

For more information about the Pacific Partnership deployment, visit the Internet at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news_images/Peleliu/index.html.

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