The United States Navy, led by Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock and Admiral Steve Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, has arrived in Luganville, Santo, aboard the USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) to launch Pacific Partnership 2025.

Pacific Partnership is the largest multinational humanitarian and disaster preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific region, designed to build resilience, improve coordination, and strengthen lasting friendships among Pacific nations.

During the Vanuatu mission, participants from the United States and partner nations will work closely with the Government of Vanuatu, civil organizations, and community leaders to conduct medical exchanges, disaster management workshops, engineering projects, and community outreach activities.

These programs will take place throughout the coming week across Sanma Province, where local communities will benefit from a range of free medical and dental services provided by the visiting multinational team. Residents can expect care from eye doctors, dental specialists, and general physicians at Tata Presbyterian School, Unity Park, Vulesepe Health Center, Fanafo Health Center, and the Northern Provincial Hospital.

At today’s official opening ceremony, Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock, who serves as the U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, highlighted the mission’s importance to regional partnership and peace.

“This mission reflects the best of what our nations can accomplish together,” Ambassador Yastishock said. “Here in Luganville, where our histories meet, we are reminded that peace is preserved through partnership and preparedness. When our partners in the Pacific are strong, the United States is stronger too.”

Captain Mark B. Stefanik, Mission Commander for Pacific Partnership 2025, emphasized the ongoing friendship and cooperation between the U.S., Vanuatu, and regional allies.

“Working shoulder-to-shoulder with our Vanuatu partners enhances disaster response capacity and reaffirms our shared commitment to a resilient and free Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Now in its 21st year, Pacific Partnership demonstrates the United States’ continued commitment to supporting security, stability, and prosperity across Pacific Island nations. The initiative also complements Vanuatu’s efforts to strengthen community resilience and disaster preparedness, while enhancing collaboration across health, infrastructure, and humanitarian sectors.

Through joint missions like Pacific Partnership, the U.S. and its regional partners continue to build mutual understanding, trust, and friendship — ensuring stronger and more resilient Pacific communities for the future.