Pacific Endeavor builds partnerships among Asia-Pacific nations

  • Published
  • By Navy Lieutenant Theresa Donnelly
  • Pacific Command Public Affairs
CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore --  Sixteen Asia-Pacific militaries attended the 7th annual Pacific Endeavor at Changi Naval Base, Singapore Aug. 16 through 27. Pacific Endeavor is a humanitarian communication workshop sponsored by the Singapore Armed Forces and U.S. Pacific.

At the workshop, military communication technology experts tested their abilities to rapidly establish a communication infrastructure within a disaster relief scenario using web-based 2.0 technologies.

Attendees were also able to form friendships with counterparts in the communication field.

"The number one thing we accomplish at this workshop is the ability to work together better," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Brett T. Williams, director for Command, Control, Communications, Computer Systems Directorate. "We all have the same goals and objectives when helping people in need,"

The workshop not only tested the militaries' ability to coordinate communication procedures, but also provided a venue to establish relationships with first responders from the humanitarian community and private industry. Often, in a humanitarian crisis, it is the non-governmental organizations that have the lead in response efforts, with the military in a supporting role

"We know that in a humanitarian crisis there will be a lot of other agencies participating as well as the military," said Singapore Armed Forces Brig Gen. Lee Shiang Long, the head of the Joint Communications and Information Systems Department. "By exercising together, we will know their operational requirements, and we can set up a better communication system."


A highlight of the workshop was the ability to interact with each country and learn the cultures and customs for each. Throughout the two weeks, organizers planned events so participants could build friendships in an informal setting. Attendees visited Singapore museums, historic monuments and learned about Singapore culture via their hosts from the Singapore Armed Forces.

"The best experiences I have had here are the interpersonal relationships with the officers from all the countries," said Master Sgt. Travis Goodwin, the support director for Pacific Endeavor. "The friendships I have made have been the best aspect of being here."

"I now know the right person to go to for communication clearances, which is critical to successful execution of the mission," Sergeant Goodwin said.

Pacific Endeavor participants have found success or failure in disaster response is completely dependent on establishing good working relationships with each other. Pacific Endeavor, like many other military exchanges throughout the PACOM region, enables the dialogue for increased coordination and cooperation.