Australia’s largest contribution to annual US-led humanitarian assistance mission Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10) concluded this week in Papua New Guinea, after treating almost 110,000 patients.
More than 300 ADF personnel participated in the mission, providing health and dental care as well as completing 22 engineering projects such as school building restoration and drilling and developing water wells across five countries over four months.
US Navy Captain Lisa Franchetti, PP10 Mission Commander, commended the ADF’s contribution, particularly HMAS Tobruk which was the first Royal Australian Navy ship to act as Command platform during the last leg of the mission to Papua New Guinea.
“It was such a unique experience to conduct the mission from a ship other than a United States Navy vessel.
“The Papua New Guinea mission was a huge success and I am in no doubt that the reason for that lies with the crew of HMAS Tobruk - their commitment and hospitality was unwavering,” Capt Franchetti said.
Medical and dental personnel from all three services provided health care to patients at medical clinics and surgeries onboard USNS Mercy whilst also participating in subject-matter expert exchanges and health education programs.
More than 35 engineers from Second Combat Engineer Regiment worked with US Seabees and host nation personnel in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.