Here’s some shots of Bro./LTJG. Arnold Cortez(UST 1991), the HSC-21 DET 2 MO aboard USNS MERCY (T-AH-19) taken while conducting PAX/VERTREP mission in Cotabato, RP during Pacific Partnership 2008.

Here’s Bro. Arnold starting VERTREPs, and here he is on the flight deck.

This Group Shot shows Robert T. Wiley, USNS Mercy’s ship’s master (MSC), Chief Mate Michael Keller (MSC), LTJG Arnold Cortez (HSC-21 DET 2 Maintenance Officer), and COMMODORE Bill Kearns (Pacific Partnership 2008 Mission Commander).

Since its May 29, 2008 arrival in Polloc Harbor, Parang Pier, Cotabato, the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) continues to conduct its goodwill outreach mission providing humanitarian and civic assistance to the people of Mindanao and Samar. This mission reflects the longstanding ties between the United States and the Philippines, as well as our continued commitment to work together to help those in need.

The Mercy has already conducted more than 311 medical procedures aboard ship, including surgery, optometry screenings, burn care, preventative medicine, and dental screenings and treatment. On land, in 20 communities across Mindanao, teams of U.S. and Philippine medical practitioners and volunteers have provided free medical treatment of 9,954 patients, free dental care to 2,211 patients, and free veterinary care to 2,052 animals. Engineering teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military have completed renovation of two health clinics, in Broce and in Datu Piang.

As the Mercy transits on schedule to Samar to continue its medical outreach, its medical personnel plan to treat a total of 12,000 medical patients. Already in Samar, U.S. and AFP construction teams have renovated the Municipal Health Office and pharmacy in Santa Margarita and are currently renovating the Gandara District Hospital and the Calbayog City Main Health Center. Teams of doctors and medical technicians have already provided free medical care in three communities to 6,100 patients, free dental care to 1,452 patients, and veterinary care to 1,198 animals. More medical outreach and treatment on board the Mercy is happening every day.

On June 9, while on a routine flight supporting the humanitarian assistance efforts, one of Mercy’s four MH-60S Knighthawk support helicopters sustained damage from what appears to be a bullet. As a consequence, the aircraft is currently out of service while the cause of the damage is investigated. The grounding resulted in the cancellation of one medical assistance activity June 10.

The USNS Mercy will sail from Cotabato for Samar on June 12. The mission’s co-Directors, Philippine Navy Captain Crispin Mercado and U.S. Navy Commodore William Kearns, will join U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney and Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Edsal T. Custodio for a closing ceremony on June 14. The Mercy will then set sail for Manila, arriving on June 15.

For further information, please contact the press office of the U.S. Embassy in Manila at 63-2- 301-2452. For more on the USNS Mercy’s Pacific Partnership 2008, visit Http://www.cpf.navy.mil/subsite/pp08/index.html.