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USNS Mercy Welcomes Philippines President

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060611-02
Release Date: 6/11/2006 9:37:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Joseph Caballero, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

JOLO, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- The crew of the U.S. Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) welcomed aboard President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo June 9, on the final day of the crew’s humanitarian assistance in this province.

The diverse medical crew aboard Mercy treated thousands of local residents aboard ship and ashore during its visit.

“We are so happy to have you here,” said Arroyo to a group of Filipino-American Sailors. “We are so proud of you, and we are so grateful. All of your patients are so glad to have you here.

“Thank you,” continued Arroyo. “Keep it up, and mabuhay.”

Arroyo toured the ship and visited with some of the patients and the crew.

“She was very friendly to us,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Edward Cortez. “She is proud about what we do because we are helping people in the Philippines. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to speak with her and be able to shake her hand.”

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney joined the Philippine president on her tour of the ship and praised the ship and crew’s role in diplomacy.

“As the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, I couldn’t be any more impressed,” said Kenney. “It’s a great asset to the relations between the two countries. It’s a real example of how the U.S. military works with private doctors, local doctors and local armed forces all for the good, to improve healthcare.”

The crew of Mercy completed a string of Medical and Dental Civil Action Projects as well as civic outreach projects at local medical centers during its stay in Jolo.

“On behalf of our people in the Sulu province, we are very thankful to the U.S. forces and to the personnel of this Mercy hospital,” said Province of Sulu Governor Benjamin T. Loong. “Our people are very excited.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. corpsmen, doctors and to everyone who has come to help our people,” added Loong.

The Mercy crew, including Navy, Army and Air Force service members, linked efforts with non-governmental organizations including Project HOPE and Aloha Medical Mission. In addition, foreign service members from Canada, India and the Philippines have sent doctors, nurses and translators to assist in the effort.

For related news, visit the Pacific Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cpf/.