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SAN DIEGO  (NNS) -- Multi-purpose amphibious ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) 
departed
San Diego on May 23, kicking off the humanitarian mission Pacific 
Partnership.

Pacific Partnership brings together host nation medical personnel, partner
nation military medical personnel and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 
to
provide medical, dental, construction and other humanitarian-assistance 
programs
ashore and afloat in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The four-month deployment continues the long tradition of U.S. Navy support 
of
humanitarian-assistance operations throughout the world and reflects 
American
compassion for the people of the Western Pacific region with whom Americans
share common bonds.

Prior to the ship's departure, Vice Adm. Samuel Locklear, Commander, U.S. 
3rd
Fleet, addressed the crew in the ship's hangar about the significance of the
deployment.  He also talked about the pride he felt in sending Peleliu on 
such
an important mission - a mission to ensure improvement of both America's and 
the
host nation partners' quality of life and relationships.

"We and our families see what goes on around the world on TV every night, 
and
this is our chance to make a positive impact on the long struggle currently
going on (in the world)," Locklear said. "I am very proud of what you're 
about
to do. I wish I could go with you."

The deployment will strengthen the good will forged between the host nation
partners, American forces and NGOs during previous assistance missions, such 
as
the 2004 tsunami, earthquake relief efforts and the USNS Mercy (T-AH 19)
deployment in 2006.

Throughout the Pacific Partnership mission, Peleliu will serve as an 
enabling
platform through which military and NGOs can coordinate and carry out
humanitarian efforts. The same flexibility and configuration that makes 
Peleliu
an effective warship also makes it an extraordinarily effective ship for
performing humanitarian assistance missions.

Peleliu will visit areas based on host-nation agreements, medical and
engineering priorities and where port or anchorage facilities can support 
the
mission.

The Pacific Partnership humanitarian mission is commanded by Capt. Robert
Stewart, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31. The commanding officer of USS 
Peleliu
is Capt. Ed Rhoades. The medical contingent commander is Capt. Scott Flinn,
force surgeon, commander, Naval Surface Forces.

For more news from USS Peleliu, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/lha5/.

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