For the month of July, six New Zealand Defence Force personnel embarked on the United States Naval Hospital Ship (USNS) MERCY for Pacific Partnership 2010, an annual operation that travels the Pacific nations providing medical and health assistance.
The six kiwis were among 1042 military and civilian personnel from around the world, whose roles included equipment repair, engineering, veterinary support and medical, dental and surgical support. The ship visited Cambodia and Vietnam, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The New Zealand contingent was present for the Indonesian leg of the mission, which made visits to the communities of Tobelo, Morotai, Ternate, Jailolo, and Ambon. Lieutenant Commander Kerry Climo of the Royal New Zealand Navy co-ordinated the Medical Operations Team, ensuring patients, staff, crew, and medical equipment got to and from the ship. She was able to take part in a community service project including a visit to Rumah Sejahtera Orphanage. “It’s been a lifelong desire of mine to visit and serve at an orphanage,” said LT CDR Climo. “Working alongside each other is the key to success on a mission such as this. All boundaries disappear as soon as you realise it is not about you, it’s about the children you are serving.”
| Services Provided |
Totals |
| Afloat Patients: |
402 |
| Afloat Surgeries: |
214 |
| Endoscopies: |
19 |
| Total Patients Seen Ashore: |
33158
(Medical, Dental, Surgical cap +
Indonesian Army and Singapore) |
| Glasses Provided: |
16533 |
| Dental Fluoride Treatments: |
3146 |
| Biomedical Technicians: |
$681,900 (64 pieces) |
| Subject Matter Expert Exchange: |
4260.5 hrs
(877 Host Nation personnel) |
| Veterinary Caps: |
1034 animals treated |
| Veterinary Subject Matter Exchange: |
383 hrs
(392 Host Nation students) |
| Preventative Medicine: |
103.5 hrs
(690 Host Nation personnel) |
Major Paul Kendall (Pharmacist)
“It was eye-opening, humbling, and great to be part of something good for the people of South East Asia. It was an opportunity to learn from other people and mix with different professions, cultures, and nationalities. It was great being the only non-American in the pharmacy. New Zealand personnel should be encouraged to be part of future Pacific Partnership contingents.”
Captain Deborah Cromie (Operating Room/Recovery Nurse)
“It was rewarding to see children with cleft lips and palates recover after surgery. This type of surgery makes a real difference to the lives of these children. The most memorable part of the deployment was meeting the people on the ship from partner nations, NGO groups, interpreters to civilian contractors. Everyone had a different story about what they were doing on the USNS MERCY.”
Major James Josephs (Environmental Health Officer)
“Participation in Pacific Partnership was most worthwhile. Discussions with fellow professionals showed that we can be confident in the NZ Army’s current knowledge and capability regarding environmental health. While we may not have all the technology used by much larger Armies, it was evident that Kiwis can adapt quickly to it.”
Major Nicola Martin (Army Dietitian)
“As the only dietitian in the NZ Army, the highlight of the trip for me was working alongside the US Navy dietitians. It was great to share our experiences and opportunities in the military and the roles and responsibilities in our jobs at home.”
Corporal Amy Kelly (Dental Hygienist)
“A highlight was seeing the transformation of a patient who had been living with a bilateral cleft lip and palate for 28 years. Seeing the change in this patient was amazing as he went from having a facial disfigurement to looking just like everyone else – he was so grateful! Treating kids at the schools was fun. They’d learned songs in English and practised them for months before we got there, welcoming us with singing and dancing. I’m very lucky to have been given this opportunity.”
Lieutenant Commander Kerry Climo (Medical Administration Officer)
“One theme that stood out from my experience of Pacific Partnership was the versatility and inter-operability of the New Zealand Defence Force. For years the Navy and Air Force have deployed on land-based missions, and this forum allowed other services to apply their skills in a unique environment.”