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President Mori welcomes USNS Mercy

Palikir, Pohnpei (Dept. of Foreign Affairs): August 26, 2008 - On August 22, 2008, President Emanuel Mori joined Governor Wesley Simina and the Chuuk State Leadership in welcoming the United States Naval Ship Mercy to Chuuk State. The USNS Mercy's Pacific Partnership 2008 is a four-month humanitarian civic-assistance mission to provide medical, dental and engineering assistance to the region.

During the welcome ceremony for the ship's commander and crew, President Mori said that "the FSM takes great pride in our unique partnership which has contributed as much, not only to our nation building efforts, but has provided opportunities for the FSM to participate and contribute in a small way to our common goals of regional peace and stability." President Mori went to mention the FSM young men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces, pursuing the same principles of freedom and democracy and "cementing our longstanding ties and the commitment to work together as partners."

The Pacific Partnership team provided 13 medical civic action programs on 13 different islands and three engineering civic action programs on two islands throughout the Chuuk Lagoon as swell as two medical fly-away teams to Pohnpei and Yap.

President Mori accompanied US Ambassador Miriam Hughes, Rear Admiral David Rutstein and Captain William A. Kearns on various team visits, including operations at Sapou Elementary, Polle Junior High School, Mwan Elementary School, Chuuk State Hospital, Sopota Elementary School and Messa Elementary School.

For further information contact the Subdivision of American Affairs in the Department of Foreign Affairs, (691) 320-2544.