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SECNAV Visits Peleliu, Thanks Sailors for Pacific Partnership

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070823-20
Release Date: 8/23/2007 5:17:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Olay, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

BISMARK SEA (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Donald C. Winter came aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) to meet with Sailors and view progress of the ship’s Pacific Partnership summer humanitarian-aid mission Aug. 22.

Peleliu and its embarked team of medical, dental and engineering professionals have been conducting aid efforts in the tsunami-damaged Solomon Islands region for the past week.

During his visit, Winter went ashore via Peleliu’s embarked landing craft air cushion to observe the Pacific Partnership team conducting medical and engineering civil-assistance programs.

“It’s a good mix of immediate medical activities, as well as construction activities that are supporting the long term health needs of the community,” Winter said of the projects.

SECNAV also commented on the quality of cooperation he witnessed between the multi-nation militaries and non-government organizations (NGOs) that are working hand-in-hand to accomplish the mission.

“I think the combination of nations and NGOs will give us greater leverage in the future as we engage in this manner,” he said. “I think what we’re seeing here is expanded capabilities."

Along with his visit ashore, Winter also spent time touring Peleliu with Commanding Officer, Capt. Ed Rhoades, and interacting with the ship’s Sailors.

Winter also took time to present one Sailor with his recently earned Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pin.

“It was great, a real honor,” Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW/FMF) Joseph Hodge said of receiving his pin SECNAV. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Later in the evening Winter had the following message for the Sailors of Peleliu, and the entire Pacific Partnership team:

“I’d like to tell them that their efforts are having a significant impact, and that they’re recognized not only here, but throughout the United States,” he said. “We really appreciate what it is that they’re doing, and we want to thank them for enabling this mission to take place.”