BY MIKE TUA
THE world’s largest hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) officially farewelled the host nation of Solomon Islands yesterday evening in a closing ceremony, after a successful two-week of visit in support of the 17th Pacific Partnership Mission 2022.
During the mission, the Pacific Partnership Mission 2022 (PP12) team accomplished the following, conducting nearly 6,000 medical engagements, distributing more than 1,000 eyeglasses, examining approximately 80 animals, performing more than 50 surgeries, conducting nearly 5,000 dental procedures, conducting a 3-day workshop on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including participants from Solomon Islands, Australia, and the United States, replacing the floor in two wards at the National Referral Hospital and renovating of the Rove Children’s Park, said the Director of Surgical Services, Pacific Partnership 2022, Commander Sara Gonzales at the closing ceremony event.
Commander Sara Gonzales said the Pacific Partnership Team are extremely grateful to all the ministries, agencies, entities, and the generous people of Solomon Islands for embracing their team and mission with open arms and sharing with them their home and incredibly rich culture.
“Thank you for your engaging hospitality and for sharing your rich culture and thoughtful insights with our team.
“While we’ve made new friends here, we don’t say goodbye, but see you soon.
“As we wrap up Pacific Partnership 2022, we will take back the knowledge you have shared; the experiences we’ve enjoyed and lessons learned home with us, but we will definitely leave a piece of our hearts in the beautiful country of Solomon Islands,” she said with a smile.
She said the robust collaboration over the last two weeks is a direct reflection of the spirit of the Pacific Partnership mission.
“This year’s Pacific Partnership mission has strengthened international ties throughout the region and fostered multilateral cooperation and partnership.
“In short, we are strengthening our growing friendships, like the one we share with the Solomon Islands.
“Whether exchanging knowledge through seminars and presentations or building lasting skills and relationships through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our professional colleagues and hosts here in the Solomon Islands.
We hope the value of these engagements will last beyond our departure,” the Director of Surgical Services, Pacific Partnership 2022 said.
The farewell ceremony held on board the USNS Mercy in Honiara’s Point Cruz Harbour was attended by the U.S. top navy officers, civilian and military personnel including representatives from Australia and Japan, UK and Australia High Commissioners, local guests, the Honiara City Mayor and Premier of Guadalcanal including the Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga and other members of the parliament.
The Mercy’s Pacific Partnership 2022 mission active engagements in the country not only cover Honiara City but also the other respective provinces of Malaita, Western, and Guadalcanal.
