US Navy sends hospital ship USNS Mercy to help Marshall Islands in Indo Pacific.

According to information published by the US DoD on November 1 2023, the hospital ship USNS Mercy arrived in the Marshall Islands, marking the commencement of the Pacific Partnership 24-1 mission. The mission is part of an annual series of multinational humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Mercy class hospital ship USNS Mercy. (Picture source: Dvids)

Activities under the Pacific Partnership include humanitarian and civil-military operations like engineering, medical services, disaster response training, and community engagement programs.

The RMI visit, which is the fifth of its kind under this initiative, will focus on providing medical surgeries, training first responders, and conducting clinical care and educational activities across Majuro, Ebeye, and Aur Atolls.

Infrastructure projects are also part of the mission's agenda, with renovation work planned for Long Island and Rita Elementary Schools. Knowledge sharing in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance is scheduled through exercises and discussions.

The USNS Mercy is equipped to provide comprehensive medical care and houses a mix of civilian and military crew. The vessel boasts medical facilities including operating rooms, hospital beds, and a variety of medical services. The mission will also involve collaborative work at local health facilities to promote ongoing medical practices post-mission.

An inaugural partnership between the USNS Mercy and the RMI's hospital ship, Liwatoon Mour, will see combined efforts to address tuberculosis in the region.

Supporting the mission are personnel from several allied and partner nations, with contributions from Australia, Chile, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand.

Originating from the response to the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Partnership has grown into a regular initiative aimed at improving disaster response capabilities and fostering cooperation within the Indo-Pacific.

Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is one of the few countries to maintain formal diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan), with an embassy located in Taipei.