Friendships Endure: Phillipines native Supports Pacific Partnership 2022

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Hospitalman Jemuel Macabali, a native of Taytay, Rizal, Phillipines, 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. 

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

"I receive mostly medical supplies and with my fellow shipmates, we do inventories and coordinate with other departments to deliver the supplies they have ordered," said Macabali.

"I am so proud to be serving alongside Hospitalman Macabali 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, Macabali and the Pacific Partnership team work together to conduct tailored medical, dental, veterinary, engineering civic action projects, and subject-matter-expert exchanges.

"It's an amazing experience to be a part of the Pacific Partnership 2022," said Macabali. "Not only do I get to be part of Naval history which is something I will share to my future children, but it is also a great opportunity to help other countries and meet and make new friends from around the world."

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.

"I owe a lot to the Navy because I was able to become a U.S. citizen and support my family," added Macabali. "It's given me all the opportunities to rise above poverty and to better myself. Serving in the Navy is my way of giving back everything that the Navy has done for me."