Pacific Partnership in Pictures While in Samoa, the Pacific Partnership crew recorded their visit with photographs, such as the one shown right: SAVAI'I, Samoa (July 08, 2009) A local woman hugs Capt. John Shaub, deputy Pacific Partnership 2009 mission commander, at a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the renovation of the assembly hall at the Sasina Primary School.  This marked the end of a 10-day Engineering Civic Action Project (ENCAP) completed by Pacific Partnership 2009 engineers from the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. The Sasina Primary School provides education for children first through eighth grade and acts as a community meeting hall when school is not in session. The U.S. Navy's Pacific Partnership is the dedicated humanitarian and civil assistance mission conducted by, with and through partner nations, non-governmental organizations and other U.S. and international government agencies to execute a variety of humanitarian civic action missions in the Pacific Fleet area of responsibility. Pacific Partnership is currently in Oceania, and plans to continue travel to Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tonga. The USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) serves as the enabling platform for U.S. and partner nation military and non-governmental organizations to coordinate humanitarian civic assistance efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joshua Valcarcel.   Related Links Pacific Partnership Photostream Pacific Partnership on the State Dept's Dipnote blog

View of the White House South Lawn: The Foo Fighters performed July 4, 2009. White House 4th July on Flickr President Celebrates Independence Day with "Nation's Heroes" On Saturday, July 4th, President Obama celebrated Independence Day alongside hundreds of service members and their families at a USO concert on the South Lawn of the White House.  The concert, emcee'd by Jimmy Fallon, featured the Foo Fighters and Michelle Branch, and was immediately followed by the 4th of July fireworks over the National Mall - a traditional and spectacular fixture of Independence Day celebrations in Washington. President Obama addressed the his guests, remarking that he was "honored and proud" to host them on Independence Day, and noting that the service members gathered were "the latest, strongest link in that unbroken chain that stretches back to the Continental Army.  You're the heirs of that legacy of proud men and women who strained to hold together a young union; who rolled back the creeping tide of tyranny; who stood post through a long twilight struggle; who have taken on the terror and extremism that threatens the world's stability." He also remarked that "our gathering tonight is not so different from gatherings that are taking place all across the country, in parks and fields and backyards all across America.  In small towns and big cities, folks are firing up grills, laughing with family and friends, and laying out a blanket in preparation for the big show.  They're reliving the simple, unmistakable joys of being an American." (more)   Related Links President's Weekly Address: On the 4th of July, Overcoming America’s Challenges 4th of July Message from the President (pdf document; 78kb) U.S. Independence Day a Civic and Social Event

Opening Ceremony for Pacific Partnership Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Robin L. Yeager At the Opening Ceremony for Pacific Partnership 2009 July 2, 2009 On behalf of the United States Government and the U.S. Department of State, it is a pleasure for me to welcome the USNS Richard E. Byrd and her crew, partner nations and partner NGO’s to Apia, and to celebrate the commencement of the Pacific Partnership 2009 Mission to the Independent State of Samoa.  This project has been in the works actively here in Samoa since December 2008, and in fact, in long-range planning since well before that.  The motivations for Pacific Partnership are easy to understand.  As was said recently by the new Assistant Secretary for East Asian/Pacific Affairs, Kurt Campbell, “There should be no doubt that the United States itself is a Pacific nation” (more)

Cmdr. Joseph Yang instructs Pacific Partnership 09 personnel in the use of medical equipment which will be used during their activities. Pacific Partnership 2009  The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Partnership mission of humanitarian projects is visiting Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati this year. The project has begun with the June 30 –July 11 visit to Samoa, where it will include medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and other projects. Follow the activities and progress of Pacific Partnership 2009 at www.cpf.navy.mil; or on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, or the Pacific Partnership blog.

Brigadier General Edwin Vincent of Pacific Command addresses a group of Samoans who are U.S. military veterans at a breakfast meeting at the home of Chargée d'Affaires Robin Yeager General Vincent of Pacific Command celebrates Samoan Independence Day  Brigadier General Edwin “Skip” Vincent, the Strategic Planning and Policy Mobilization Assistant from Pacific Command, and a group of colleagues were in Samoa for the celebration of Samoa’s Independence holiday, May 31-June 2. The trip was part of a familiarization swing through a number of countries in the region.  While in Samoa the General enjoyed the Independence celebrations, including a parade and boat races, attended the official garden party, and met with representatives of the Government of Samoa, as well as other key contacts of both the U.S. military and the U.S. Embassy. The major message of the General’s visit was, “we’re here to learn and find ways to work together more in the future.”  (gallery)

"A New Beginning": Obama Seeks Fresh Start with Muslims Worldwide Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, President Obama told an audience in Cairo June 4 that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship for so long must end. “There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground,” Obama said. “So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity.  This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.” Obama said he seeks a new start that is based on mutual interest and mutual respect — “one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles, principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.” … (more)   Related links A New Beginning: President Obama speaks in Cairo Transcript of the President's speech as delivered High resolution video of the President delivering his speech Low resolution video of the President delivering his speech Comment on "Obama’s views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict" on the America.gov blog   Reactions to the President's speech from America.gov's "Article Alert" service U.S. Embassy in Cairo

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