Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka concludes

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mike Hammond
  • Pacific Angel 10-4 Public Affairs
PUTTALAM TOWNSHIP, Sri Lanka --  Representatives from the United States, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mongolia concluded Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka here after providing humanitarian civil engineering and medical aid to people living in the Anuradhapura and Puttalam communities, Aug. 14 through 22.

Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka medical teams provided primary, dental, and optometry care to 4,647 patients in three locations, and dispensed 4,462 prescriptions. Included in that total, 1,662 optometry patients and 562 dental patients were recieved medical care. The Pacific Angel optometrists provided 1,448 pairs of eyeglasses, and the dentists performed 78 extractions. 
 
"Together we were able to provide medical care to more than 4,400 Sri Lankans as well as conduct capacity building seminars in pediatrics and mental health. These activities have had an enormous and positive impact on several communities in Sri Lanka. This is an extraordinary accomplishment for all the participants of the Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka mission," said Col. (Dr.) David O'Brien, the 13th Air Force surgeon general. "A great deal of thanks to our Sri Lankan counterparts for their support during this Pacific Angel mission -- we couldn't possibly have been as effective without their support."

Two medical educational programs were also offered, which provided U.S. and Sri Lankan professionals the opportunity to exchange information and practice advanced skills related to mental health and pediatric emergencies. Following the completion of medical treatment at each site, Pacific Angel members donated the remaining medical supplies to the Cheddikulam Hospital and Puttalam Township.

In addition to the medical care provided during Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka, the Pacific Angel civil engineering teams repaired and refurbished two primary schools, which improved the educational environment for nearly 200 students. The U.S. forces also partnered with the mayor of Puttalam to provide a power generator, lighting, and three new computers to the Semandalawa Kanista Vidyalaya school in Puttalam Township.

Pacific Angel is a humanitarian and civic assistance program aimed at improving military civic cooperation between the United States and countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The multinational forces participating in Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka were here at the invitation of the Sri Lankan government in coordination with each nation's Embassy and military commands. Pacific Angel is a partner nation capacity and teamwork building program led by United States Pacific Command, based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

This is the fourth and final iteration of Operation Pacific Angel 2010. Operations were previously conducted in the Philippines in February, Vietnam in May, and Bangladesh in June.

The United States and Sri Lanka militaries have a long history of partnership. This visit enhances that cooperation and expands the already strong relationship between the two countries.