Australian Defence Force with the contingent members of Pacific Partnership 2022 from the United States Navy, British Army and British Royal Navy at the closing ceremony onboard United States Hospital Ship USNS Mercy in Palawan, Philippines. Image source: Australian Defence Force
Pacific Partnership 2022, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission, has officially concluded in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Australia’s participation in the Pacific Partnership is part of its long-standing engagement with the Philippines and the region in security cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
A contingent of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were integrated into multinational teams providing specialised support in the areas of medical and dental care, as well as gender, peace, and security.
Over the past three weeks ADF medical personnel provided a range of specialised medical services to the local community in Palawan such as dentistry, optometry, gynaecology, cryotherapy, and first aid education. This included treating 2,067 patients, delivering first aid training to 600 individuals, and conducting over 400 dental procedures.
Australia’s lead health planner Major Jane Barnes said “Our interoperability with Pacific Partners has been enhanced by this activity because we have been able to physically work side-by-side and actually see processes and procedures happening real-time.”
ADF Band members also participated in over 30 performances while the Gender, Peace and Security team provided a series of presentations and supported multiple community engagement activities across the area.
Australian Contingent Commander Major Andy Carroll Keays stated “We worked closely with our partners and the local community, and I am immensely proud of our contribution to what has been a truly rewarding Pacific Partnership mission stop here in the Philippines.”
Through Pacific Partnership, Australia reinforces its commitment to enhancing security cooperation and fostering enduring partnerships, trust, and interoperability in the region.
