Friendships Endure: Virginia Beach Native Supports Pacific Partnership 2022

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Jaquias, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego 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. 

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

“As the Lead Behavioral Health Technician, I assist our ship psychologist with mental health cases and support the crew with any mental health concerns that may arise while deployed," said Jaquias. "We provide coping techniques and can teach various skills to improve their overall mood.

“I am so proud to be serving alongside Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaquias 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, Jaquias and the Pacific Partnership team work together to conduct tailored medical, dental, veterinary, engineering civic action projects, and subject-matter-expert exchanges.

"I wanted to see the world, experience the vast blueness of our beautiful planet and if I can help a few people along the way, then it is a great day," said Jaquias.

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 the Navy to me has evolved," added Jaquias. "When I was an seaman, I looked at my naval career as a dirt road that needed paving. Through the years my experience, various mentors, and co-workers, shipmates and leaders helped pave my path. As I advance through the ranks, I feel it is my duty to help pave my junior sailors' paths and to make sure they make the right decisions for their careers and no one else’s."