U.S. servicemembers arrive for Pacific Angel-Philippines

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Robert Howard
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines --  Approximately 78 U.S. military members arrived here Thursday to begin site preparations for Operation Pacific Angel Philippines, a joint and combined humanitarian assistance and civil military operations mission scheduled March 5 through 10.

U.S. personnel and equipment from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam arrived aboard two C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft, one based out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the other based at JBPH-H .

"The arrival of our forces and equipment was critical," said Lt. Col. Michael R. Black, Pacific Angel-Philippines mission commander. "Due to the generosity of the Philippine government, starting tomorrow, the site at Tactical Operations Group 5 will become our home and primary work site for the next two weeks."

Over the next two days, TOG 5 will become the primary healthcare service outreach site in Albay province and will provide general medicine, dental, pediatrics and optometry care for an estimated 500 people per day, according to Lt. Col. Timothy Martinez, PACANGEL-Philippines medical site lead.

U.S and Philippine medical professionals will also provide medical services to Philippine citizens from two mobile healthcare sites located at Arandurugan Social Hall in Guinobatan and at the Municipal Gymnasium in Santo Domingo.

Three engineering civic action program events are scheduled during the six-day mission, including refurbishing one building at Bigaa Elementary School in Legazpi City and one building at Binitayan Elementary School in Daraga. Additionally, a restroom facility at the Municipal Gymnasium in Santo Domingo is scheduled for renovation.

Five subject matter expert exchanges are also planned. These exchanges bring together leading experts from the U.S. military and Philippine forces, as well as non-government organizations, to facilitate training and mutual cooperation in areas such as water sanitation, maternal-child care and disaster response.

"The kindness shown by the Philippine government and its people in support of Operation Pacific Angel has been truly awe-inspiring," said Black. "I believe the combined efforts between the U.S. and Philippine forces and the relationships that are built and strengthened here will ensure the success of this operation in providing quality facilities, excellent healthcare and life-saving training for the Philippine people."