US, Timor-Leste partnership strengthened through PAC ANGEL 22-4
Pacific Angel 22-4 comes to a conclusion after a five-day operation where more than 90 joint, total force U.S. service members partnered with the Timor-Leste Defense Force and a host of local government and non-governmental organizations to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief, Sept. 12-17, in Baucau, Timor-Leste.
Execution for PAC ANGEL 22-4 involved concurrent health service outreach operations and four civil engineering renovations projects.
“Beyond the important work at the heart of this exercise, you have also built meaningful personal relationships with each other,” said Thomas Daly, U.S. Embassy chargé d’affairs. “Ultimately, these relationships are what underpins the enduring friendship and partnership between the United States and Timor-Leste.”
The health services outreach event consisted of general medicine, pediatrics, optometry, dental, physical therapy and immunization clinics and pharmacy operations. In conjunction, the civil engineer teams provided ceiling, roof, electrical and plumbing repairs on schools throughout Baucau.
“Your presence here lifts our spirits; many of the people in Baucau were able to receive much-needed medical attention and the engineers assisted with renovations on four schools,” said Maj. Gen. Falur Rate Laek, Timor-Leste Defense Force chief of defense. “Operations like this are essential to our community and we look forward to our continued partnership.”
The health service outreach event provided services to more than 3,600 patients and the engineers repaired schools housing more than 1000 children.
“From planning to execution, watching all the pieces come together has been incredible,” said Lt. Col. Ian Friel, PAC ANGEL 22-4 mission commander. “We are honored to have played a role in furthering our relationship with our Pacific partners. By creating an open dialogue and working alongside our partners in operations such as this, we foster an environment that benefits all of us.”
Since 2007, Indo-Pacfic Command and Pacific Air Forces have promoted interoperability and demonstrated Department of Defense support capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events by conducting PAC ANGEL operations.
PAC ANGEL operations include medical treatment and clinic services, engineering assistance and subject matter expert exchange engagements with host-nation service members and regional allies and partners.
