LEGAZPI CITY — A Spearhead-class transport ship operated by the United States Navy and a Korean Navy amphibious landing ship docked in two major international seaports in Albay province for a two-week humanitarian mission in the province.
The Korean Navy warship Roks ll Chui Bong docks at the Tabaco City International Port on Thursday afternoon to join the Pacific Partnership mission in Legazpi City with 202 personnel from the Republic of Korea. PHOTO BY RHAYDZ BARCIA
The USNS City of Bismarck (TEFP 9) disembarked at Legazpi City International seaport two days before the start of the Pacific Partnership 2024-2 here on Friday.
The 416 feet long Korean Navy warship Roks ll Chui Bong, on the other hand, docked at the Tabaco City International Port on Thursday afternoon to join the humanitarian mission in Legazpi City with 202 personnel from the Republic of Korea led by commanding officer of LST-688 Park Jeong Won.
WELCOME The Korean navy led by LST-688 commanding officer Park Jeong Won (left) is welcomed by Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman (2nd from left) on Aug. 1, 2024 at Tabaco City International Seaport. The Koreans are here for a two-week humanitarian mission. PHOTO BY RHAYDZ BARCIA
The American troops were met by Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal at Legazpi seaport, while the Korean forces were met by Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman along with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The Pacific Partnership humanitarian mission aims to build and renovate school buildings as well as conduct disaster and tsunami exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection.
LTJG Winslow Blow, assistant public affairs officer PP24-2, told The Manila Times that the troops involved in the Pacific Partnership 2024 humanitarian mission were composite forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Korea, and Australia.
"The Pacific Partnership will last for two weeks and the composite forces will conduct humanitarian missions including disaster response training with our counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government forces," Blow said.
The Korean Navy warship Roks ll Chui Bong docks at the Tabaco City International Port on Thursday afternoon to join the Pacific Partnership mission in Legazpi City with 202 personnel from the Republic of Korea. PHOTO BY RHAYDZ BARCIA
Capt. Daniel Keeler, Pacific Partnership 2024-2 mission commander, said that they are looking forward to training their counterparts along with Legazpi City's medical and disaster relief personnel.
"It's wonderful to return to the Philippines where we look forward to training alongside the citizens of Legazpi's medical and disaster relief personnel," he said.
"Our nations share a rich history of collaborations and we look forward to strengthening that mutual cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead," Keeler added.
The Pacific Partnership visited Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in 2022 and San Fernando City, La Union in 2023.