Foreign soldiers in Legazpi City for humanitarian mission

The United States Naval Ship (USNS) City of Bismarck arrives at the port of Legazpi City on Tuesday, July 30, for a two-week Pacific Partnership mission in the Philippines (PHOTO FROM PIA ALBAY/FACEBOOK)

LEGAZPI CITY — The United States Naval Ship, City of Bismarck, arrived on Tuesday at the port in this city from the United States of America, carrying around 500 foreign soldiers who will conduct a two-week humanitarian mission under the Pacific Partnership 2024.

“It’s wonderful to return to the Philippines, where we look forward to training alongside the citizens of Legazpi City’s medical and disaster relief personnel,” said Captain Daniel J. Keeler, Pacific Partnership 24-2 mission commander.

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific.

It was first conducted in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan province, in 2022 and in San Fernando City, La Union in 2023. The mission team will be in this city from July 30 to Aug. 14.

The Pacific Partnership fosters multilateral cooperation and emphasizes a multinational and whole-of-government approach by planning and executing operations with partner nation militaries, host nation civilian agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the US State Department, US interagency, and the US military service branches.

Keeler said their nation would share a rich history of collaboration and look forward to strengthening that cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead.

“Combining the expertise of professional mariners with the skills of our Pacific Partnership forces makes the USNS City of Bismarck a ready and versatile asset to respond to any humanitarian assistance or disaster relief scenario,” Ship Master Chris Jackson said.

City Mayor Geraldine Rosal said in an interview that at least 500 soldiers from the USA, Japan, and Korea would conduct humanitarian activities here, particularly the rehabilitation of some school buildings constructed during the American era.

She said there would be no joint military exercise between the foreign soldiers and Filipino troops alongside the mission. (PNA)