160719-N-QW941-106 DA NANG, Vietnam (July 19, 2016)

160719-N-QW941-106 DA NANG, Vietnam (July 19, 2016) Collaborative and Adaptive Security Initiative program manager, Matthew Vaccaro (center), addresses Pacific Partnership 2016 personnel assigned to USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), Vietnamese government officials and local authorities during a Pacific Partnership 2016 collaborative disaster preparedness and response seminar. During the seminar, participants introduced themselves, shared ideas, real world experiences and possible solutions if a disaster were to strike. Mercy is joined in Da Nang by JS Shimokita (LST-4002) and Vietnam People's Navy ship Khánh Hóa for Pacific Partnership. Partner nations will work side-by-side with local organizations to conduct cooperative health engagements, community relation events and subject matter expert exchanges to better prepare for natural disaster or crisis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Kohlrus/Released)