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Pacific Partnership 2017 conducts community service projects in Hambantota
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US Naval Ship Fall River
The Pacific Partnership 2017 which made its initial mission stop in Hambantota, with the arrival of US Naval Ship Fall River last week completed a string of community service and social responsibility projects, in Hambantota on Friday.
The event was graced by the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe as the Chief Guest. Commander Southern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna, Director Generals and senior officers from the Naval Headquarters and Southern Naval Command were also present on the occasion.
Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, aiming to enhance regional coordination in areas such as medical readiness and preparedness for disaster situations.
The partner military and non-government personnel from the United States, Australia, and Japan, onboard USNS Fall River, actively took part in this year’s programme working side-by-side with Sri Lankan medical professionals, participating in civil engineering projects, conducting HA/DR readiness drills, and partnering in a number of community engagements. Accordingly, they conducted a range of timely social responsibility initiatives focusing on schools, hospitals, community centres and common citizens in and around Hambantota region.
Meanwhile, the special joint band performances presented by the US 7th Fleet Band partnering with the Sri Lanka Navy also received centre of attention during this tour.
As part of the final day proceedings of Pacific Partnership 2017, the closing ceremony was held on Friday at the premises of the Hambantota Port. Speaking on this occasion, the Director Naval Operations and Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy extended thanks to the mission personnel of Pacific Partnership for their invaluable service rendered and selecting Sri Lanka as their initial destination.
US and Lankan Navy personnel at the closing ceremony