By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Capt. Danielle (Miller) Taysom, a native of Odgen, Utah, is serving aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) as part of Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22), deployed in the Pacific Ocean.
Mercy departed its homeport in San Diego May 3, with more than 800 personnel aboard, including military medical and engineering personnel, support staff, partner nation representatives and civil service mariners to participate in the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific. Each year the Pacific Partnership staff works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. Taysom is a diagnostic radiologist responsible for supervising and interpreting radiological imaging studies such as x-ray, CT and ultrasound performed on board in Vietnam, Palau, Philippines, and Solomon Islands, to diagnose disease in patients.
"I am also a co-chair of the Medical and Nursing Executive Committee providing clinical leadership guiding the provision of medical, dental, allied heath and nursing care on board USNS Mercy," said Taysom.
“I am so proud to be serving alongside Capt. Taysom and this outstanding group of sailors as we support this important mission on the largest floating hospital in the world,” said U.S. Capt. Hank Kim, PP22 mission commander. “I’m looking forward to watching this incredible team forge new friendships and strengthen existing relationships with the nations in Oceania and the Western Pacific.”
At the invitation of host nations, Taysom and the Pacific Partnership team work together to conduct tailored medical, dental, veterinary, engineering civic action projects, and subject-matter-expert exchanges.
"It is an honor to play an important role in this mission because it strengthens our bonds with other countries providing maritime security and promoting professional medical collaboration," said Taysom.
Pacific Partnership assists local communities with a wide range of services enhancing host nation capabilities, building regional relationships, and exercising a collective ability to respond to situations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
"Serving in the Navy is a very fulfilling and rewarding experience," added Taysom. "I work with so many honorable people who strive for a higher calling in life than money and power. I do this for my family because I want to attain the best life has to offer."
