Friendships Endure: Puerto Rico Native Supports Pacific Partnership 2022

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Gina Valdez Henriquez, a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is serving with USS John C. Stennis on board 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. 

Henriquez is a quartermaster responsible for performing ship control and navigation to keep the ship mission-ready at all times.

“I am so proud to be serving alongside Petty Officer 2nd Class Henriquez 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, Henriquez 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 honor to be part of this team and help my countries and the maritime security around the world," said Henriquez.

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 makes me proud to contribute to a better community," added Henriquez. "I do this for my family, friends and for everyone. I will do everything in my power to make sure my children absolutely respect our flag and our great country."