LCH: H is for Hospitality
4 August 2010
Four accommodation modules, four pallets of victuals and thirty cots on the tank deck transformed HMA Ships Labuan (Lieutenant Steve Noakes) and Tarakan (Lieutenant Kevin Whatling) into two floating hotels for forty-two medical and dental personnel onboard for Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10).
The personnel from the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia transferred ashore each day to conduct medical and dental clinics in the North Maluku Islands. The use of the heavy landing craft enabled PP10 to treat more patients and work with a wider range of Indonesian communities said CMDR Kimmer, Officer in Charge of the medical team.
Whilst onboard the guests were treated to the usual Australian hospitality including sandwiches with beetroot, a new enjoyable gourmet experience for many of them, and scones with jam and cream. Each afternoon the opportunity to take a dip in the waters of the world’s largest archipelagic state was made available, and there were nightly games of ‘Uckers’ in both the junior sailor’s café and the Wardroom.
“The crew really made us feel part of the team, and they made sure we could relax after our long hot days at the health clinic,” said Lieutenant Laura Skyrme, a Medical Officer from the Royal Navy.
Having treated over one thousand patients ashore in three days the medical and dental personnel were invited to a sunset BBQ on the flag deck to celebrate their hard work and provide an opportunity to say their farewells to the ship’s companies.
“Thank you all so much for your hard work these past few days, we are amazed at the work you do ashore and have felt privileged to watch you assist the local people,” said LEUT Noakes to the embarked medical personnel.
With heavy hearts and full bellies the embarked medical team said their goodbyes and returned to United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy to continue the mission in the Banda Islands.
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