Friendships Endure: Philippines Native Supports Pacific Partnership 2022

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Chief Petty Officer Ivy Nicolas, a native of Bulacan, Philippines, 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. 

Nicolas is a hospital corpsman responsible for assisting in the prevention and treatment of disease, disability and injury using medical aid and preventive medicine procedures.

"My role on board Mercy is Medical Logistics Chief for Pacific Partnership 2022," said Nicolas. "I am part of the medical planning team that includes multi-national team members from the Royal British Navy, Australia and Japan. Planning for all medical engagements occurring in Vietnam, Palau, the Republic of Marshal Islands, Solomon Islands and Philippines. I ensure all logistics, medical supplies and personnel are ready to execute the mission."

“I am so proud to be serving alongside Chief Petty Officer Nicolas 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, Nicolas and the Pacific Partnership team work together to conduct tailored medical, dental, veterinary, engineering civic action projects, and subject-matter-expert exchanges.

"It has been 10 years since I have been back to my home country, the Philippines," said Nicolas. "To be able to come back and be part of this mission has been a blessing and such an honor, knowing that I am helping and giving back to my Filipino people as well as with the other countries."

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 world’s finest Navy has been an honor and rewarding experience," added Nicolas. "It means that although there are a lot of things I cannot control, I know that the work we do makes a difference worldwide."