Pohnpei, Micronesia (Dec. 18, 2023) In this photo by MC1 Jacob I. Allison, Captain Marco Ayala, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon (right) and Lieutenant Jeffrey Nunez, a certified registered nurses’ anesthetist, perform surgery at Pohnpei State Hospital, Micronesia. These incredibly talented surgeons are but a small part of this year’s Pacific Partnership, an annual exercise in which medical teams collaborate with local officials and civic organizations to be ready for the next natural disaster.
In its’ 19th year, the Pacific Partnership was born out of the devastation brought by the December 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of South and Southeast Asia. Initially a military-led humanitarian response, the partnership today includes some 1,500 personnel from allies and partner nations including Australia, Chile, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand.
The Federated States of Micronesia is a country of 13,000 souls spread across the western Pacific Ocean comprising more than six hundred islands. Operating aboard the USNS Mercy, a combined eight hundred military and civilian personnel will embark to participate in humanitarian activities and planning. The medical teams working at the Pohnpei Hospital are providing tailored medical care focusing on surgical techniques, clinical care, and training for first responders. Each country will provide subject-matter experts in engineering, sanitation, and transportation and participate in a series of cultural events.
During the multi-month mission, American Sailors and Marines will make stops in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Palau. Experts in the fields of engineering, medicine and disaster response will partner with each host to conduct civic-action projects, community health exchanges, medical symposiums, and disaster response training activities.
While most Americans will enjoy a traditional holiday, these resolute servicemembers are saving lives far from home this Christmas.