The USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), a Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship, arrived in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, on August 15, 2025. The visit is part of Pacific Partnership 25, described as the largest multinational humanitarian and disaster relief mission in the Indo-Pacific region.
Pacific Partnership is an annual operation led by the U.S. Navy and includes collaboration with allied nations to support host countries through disaster management, engineering projects, medical outreach, and community engagement activities. The initiative began after the December 2004 tsunami that struck South and Southeast Asia, prompting the United States to mobilize military resources for relief efforts. Since its first mission in 2006, Pacific Partnership has aimed to improve preparedness for natural disasters while strengthening regional relationships.
This year’s mission involves nearly 1,500 personnel from the United States and partner nations. Activities in Chuuk will include joint operations with local partners focused on building capacity for disaster response and humanitarian services.
A multinational band composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, Royal Canadian Navy, Australian Army, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will participate in various community events during their stay.
“Alongside our allies, partners and friends, this stop in Chuuk provides us the opportunity to learn from our partners here in Micronesia while also allowing us to better refine their preparedness to respond in time of crisis. This includes several engineering projects and medical care designed to enhance the capabilities already present throughout the region,” said mission commander, Commodore Mark B. Stefanik. “Now in its 21st year, Pacific Partnership 2025 is a very real demonstration of the commitment of the United States, our allies and partners as we prepare in calm for times of crisis.”
Pacific Partnership now emphasizes collective capacity building over direct care provision; any direct assistance is delivered collaboratively with host nation representatives to ensure long-term benefits.
For more details about this visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/545692/uss-pearl-harbor-arrives-chuuk-federated-states-micronesia