Balikpapan lends a hand
7 July 2011
“Call the hands” was piped early onboard HMAS Balikpapan when Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power visited the ship as it participated in the Oecussi, East Timor phase of Exercise Pacific Partnership 2011 (PP11).
The medical specialists onboard Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) ship, HMAS Balikpapan had conducted a three-day passage from Darwin and were in Oecussi to provide family health and dental care to the local community.
During his visit to the ship Lieutenant General Power said the annual exercise was particularly important for the region and that Australia’s participation was highly valued.
“You are here to conduct the softer end of Defence diplomacy,” said Lieutenant General Power, “This is important work you should all be proud to be part of.”
During the LCHs busy four-day mission in Timor Leste many members of Balikpapan and HMAS Betano stepped ashore on a daily basis to provide a helping hand to the PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP medical and dental teams.
Naval Stores sailor, Able Seaman Doug Veitch was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the activities.
“It was a privilege to be of assistance to our good friends and neighbours in East Timor,” said Able Seaman Veitch.
Exercise Pacific Partnership is an annual U.S. led humanitarian aid mission which focuses on interoperability, improving the quality of life for our Pacific neighbours and providing sustainable humanitarian aid.
This is the sixth year Australia has participated in Pacific Partnership and the first time Balikpapanhas taken part.
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