Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare expressed his deep appreciation to the United States for its positive response to the Solomon Islands’ request to deploy the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) for the Pacific Games 2023.
During his visit to the vessel, Monda, Sogavare received a Red Carpet welcome and praised the USNS Mercy Hospital as a symbol of unwavering support from the United States to the Pacific Region.
“This visit is a clear demonstration of the United States’ willingness not only to assist the Solomon Islands but also to support the 24 Pacific Island countries participating in the games,” Sogavare said.
“This significantly enhances the Pacific Partnership program,” he added.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, US Charge de Affair, Russle Comeau, and Parliament Speaker Patterson Oti,
The prime minister emphasized that the USNS Mercy Hospital’s involvement in the Pacific Partnership program positively impacts the lives of many Solomon Islanders through its medical services.
“This gathering reaffirms the longstanding friendship between our two countries, and we stand today on a vessel with a unifying mission. It is a mission that Solomon Islanders can see, feel, and touch—a mission that both the United States and Solomon Islanders can take pride in.”
Russell Comeau, the US Chargé d’Affaires to the Solomon Islands, also extended congratulations to the people and government of the Solomon Islands for hosting this historic Pacific Games event.
“On behalf of President Joe Biden, Secretary Blinken, and the People of the United States, hearty congratulations for organizing and executing the XII Pacific Games here in Honiara,” Comeau said.
“I extend deep gratitude to all the partners who contributed to making these games possible.”
USNS Mercy Mission Commander, Captain Brian Quin, stated that the Pacific Partnership leaves a lasting partnership with the people of the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific Region.
USNS Mercy Marine Officers.
In addition to its presence at the Pacific Games, the USNS Mercy team deployed medical teams to Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province and Gizo Hospital in Western Province, further extending its outreach.
Departing from San Diego on October 10, the USNS Mercy made stopovers in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and is currently in the Solomon Islands for the two-week games.
The ship will continue its mission, making its way to Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.