The Republic of the Marshall Islands Welcomes the USS Peleliu

Aboard the USS Peleliu, Vietnamese Dr. Ngo Hanh (left) and CAPT Michael Wilcox, a general surgeon with the U.S. Public Health Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, perform back surgery on a resident of Majuro Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on August 31, 2007. The Peleliu spent 10 days on its humanitarian mission, called "Pacific Partnership," through East Asia, Melanesia and Micronesia. (Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class [SW] Jennifer R. Hudson)

September 7, 2007 – The USS Peleliu visited the Republic of the Marshall Islands, from August 29 to September 7, 2007, on the final stop of the "Pacific Partnership" mission to six Pacific Rim and Pacific Island countries.

During their 10-day visit, the crew of the Peleliu, which included nine Commissioned Corps officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provided free medical care, undertook several engineering projects, and engaged in other public diplomacy actions. The medical mission saw over 4,200 patients, performed 63 surgeries, and distributed 2,098 pairs of eyeglasses, in addition to conducting numerous health education and outreach programs. CAPT Michael Wilcox, an HHS/USPHS general surgeon, performed various surgeries aboard the ship during its stay in the Marshall Islands.

HHS/USPHS environmental health officers were also kept very busy in testing water sources, evaluating sewage treatment facilities, conducting food inspections, dealing with product quarantine issues, advising local manufacturers, and providing technical assistance and training.

At the conclusion of the mission, the Peleliu handed over 30 pallets of humanitarian goods provided by Operation Handclasp to local non-governmental organizations for distribution to the people of the Marshall Islands.

The Peleliu’s arrival coincided with a visit by the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Robert F. Willard, who participated in meetings with top government officials, and in the opening ceremonies for the Peleliu’s arrival.

For more information:

• USS Peleliu Photo Gallery
• View video: Pacific Partnership in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (U.S. Navy)
• U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Photo Gallery: USS Peleliu

Last revised: October 05, 2007