The HNOEs served as a method for the accomplice and host nations to come back collectively and foster relationships and create enduring friendships that can proceed lengthy after the mission concludes.
“The Pacific Partnership staff was actually grateful to participate in a day of sports activities at Mientrung College,” mentioned Lt. Steven Szelmeczki, a U.S. Navy chaplain and Pacific Partnership 2022 HNOE planner. “We engaged in pleasant video games of soccer and volleyball the place the Vietnamese showcased their athleticism in opposition to our squads, however we had tons of enjoyable within the course of.”
Not solely do these occasions promote camaraderie between nations, however in addition they permit junior Sailors the chance to create experiences that can final for years to come back. Gear Operator 2nd Class Hung Ho, a Vietnam native, mentioned he was proud to take part in such a tremendous occasion in his native nation whereas serving within the U.S. Navy.
“Soccer is my favourite sport as a result of I like enjoying it,” mentioned Ho. “I loved being part of the occasion and am ecstatic to be a first-generation Vietnamese American in my household to serve within the navy, particularly within the U.S. Navy. I really feel deeply honored to have the ability to signify USNS Mercy and take part in a pleasant soccer sport with the area people throughout Pacific Partnership 2022 and put on our uniform.”
Pacific Partnership is in its seventeenth yr and is the biggest annual multinational humanitarian help and catastrophe reduction preparedness mission that’s performed within the Indo-Pacific area.
For extra details about the Pacific Partnership mission and USNS Mercy, go to:
https://www.fb.com/pacificpartnership or https://www.fb.com/USNSMercy, or https://www.msc.usff.navy.mil/ships/mercy/.
