U.S. military members arrive in Sri Lanka for humanitarian, partnership mission

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Hammond
  • Pacific Angel Public Affairs
PUTTALAM TOWNSHIP, Sri Lanka (AFNS) --  More than 40 U.S. servicemembers arrived in Sri Lanka Aug. 14 to begin a six-day combined medical and engineering training mission with the Sri Lankan government and medical representatives from Maldives and Mongolia.

The mission, called Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka, will be conducted at various sites near Anuradhapura and Puttalam. It will offer free medical, optometry and dental care as well as public health education and also feature repairs and construction to support local schools.  The mission allows participating nations to hone their ability to work together and to practice their trades in non-clinical settings, while helping Sri Lankans in need of services.

Pacific Angel missions are a U.S. Pacific Command-led capacity building effort to support regional stability in the Asia-Pacific region and foster partnership between military, governmental and non-governmental agencies.

"It is a pleasure and an honor for me and my team of professional Airmen and Soldiers to be here as guests of the Sri Lankan government," said Col. Wes Cockman, Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka mission commander. "We simply cannot wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work alongside Sri Lankan, Maldivian and Mongolian professionals to provide medical and engineering services to those in need.

"Efforts like Pacific Angel demonstrate the United States' commitment to partnership as a means to maintain a peaceful and stable South Asian region," Colonel Cockman said. "We sincerely appreciate the invitation to come to Sri Lanka, and have been truly impressed by the hospitality we've witnessed!"

Pacific Angel events began Aug. 16 and will continue through Aug. 21: 

Aug. 16 to 21 - Medical care offered at Puttalam Town Hall;

Aug. 16 to 18 - Medical care offered at Madawachchiya District Hospital;

Aug. 20 to 21 - Medical care offered at Cheddikulam School;

Aug. 16 to 21 - School repair project at Mahasiyabalagaskada Vidyalaya, Neriyakulam Township;

Aug. 16 to 21 - School repair project at Semandaluwa Kanista Vidyalaya, Puttalam Township.