Pacific Partnership Arrives in East Timor

Pacific Partnership Arrives in East Timor

Health specialists and engineers from the US military and Australian Defence Force (ADF) will form the basis of a humanitarian assistance mission in East Timor over the next two weeks.

As part of Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10), medical, dental and engineering aid projects will be conducted in Dili, Same, Soibada, Suai and Laclubar.

HMA Ships Labuan and Tarakan will support United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy by hosting the health teams in the regions of Oecussi and Lautem. At the same time the engineers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment and their U.S. Navy counterparts will complete an engineering project in Dili.

The ADF will provide in-country advice and specialist support to PP10 engineering and medical projects through the ADF-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).

Commander of the ISF in East Timor, Colonel Simon Stuart said the arrival of the Pacific Partnership team will enhance the multi-national effort across the country and deliver much needed medical and dental care.

“It is great to see such a diverse range of personnel from various militaries and non-government organisations working alongside the ADF and the East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) in the conduct of engineering and health projects across Timor,” Colonel Stuart said.

PP10 participants for East Timor include military personnel from Australia, Canada, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the U.S, as well as numerous volunteers from non-government organisations.

PP10 is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian assistance endeavours aimed at strengthening regional partnerships between U.S. government organisations, host nations, partner nations, and international humanitarian and relief organisations.

Imagery is available from: http://www.defence.gov.au/op/eastTimor/gallery/2010/20100813/index.htm

ENDS

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