Following Operation Unified Endeavour , the United States response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , the United States Navy saw the opportunity to build on the goodwill created by this operation , and conceived an annual deployment to the region . The aim of this deployment , Pacific Partnership , was to improve the interoperability of the region 's military forces , governments , and humanitarian organisations during disaster relief operations , while providing humanitarian , medical , dental , and engineering assistance to nations of the Pacific , and strengthening relationships and security ties between the nations . The first such deployment was conducted in 2006 , based aboard the hospital ship USNS '' Mercy '' , and included partner nations such as Australia ( which has contributed consistently since ) , and non-government organizations . The deployment visited the Philippines , Bangladesh , Indonesia , West Timor , and East Timor
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Pacific Partnership