The Australian Defence Force (ADF) ended its two-week participation in Pacific Partnership July 11, delivering engineering and dental aid to the people of Samoa.
ADF's services were part of the U.S. sponsored humanitarian civic assistance mission Pacific Partnership 2009.
The Australian contingent, comprised of 12 Army engineers and one Air Force dental hygienist, worked alongside U.S. and New Zealand personnel, refurbishing a primary school on the Samoan island of Savai'i and renovating the National Hospital in Apia. Health professionals from the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand saw more than 3,000 patients.
"The experience so far has been life-changing," Australian Army Engineer Lt. Mick Collaros said. "Working with the local Samoans on the construction site was a humbling experience; they worked 12 hours a day to help us. They were generous and hospitable, really looked after us."
U.S. Navy Capt. Andrew Cully, commander of Pacific Partnership 2009, recognized the achievements of the ADF.
"The Australians are an integral part of the entire mission and did a fantastic job in Samoa," Cully said.
Pacific Partnership 2009 is a training and readiness mission which works through, with and by a diverse range of military, governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop interoperability in delivering effective humanitarian and disaster relief aid in the Pacific.
Pacific Partnership 2009's schedule includes visits to Samoa, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to deliver much needed engineering, medical, dental and veterinary aid.(NNS)
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