But all good things have to come to an end.
On June 27th, 2010, the Mercy and Kunisaki had to leave. We were all sad to see the ships (well the people on the ships) go.
So we had to have a "Thank You, Hope to See You Again" farewell party.
Closing Ceremony for the Pacific Partnership 2010 mission in Cambodia
Pacific Partnership 2010 Closing Ceremony
They came. They saw. And they saw some more. Patients, that is. Medical patients.
Hundreds of surgeries aboard the USNS Mercy, and thousands of patients in Sunny SihanoukVille, and in the remote provinces of Cambodia. Free glasses, free drugs (the good kind), and free medical services for all. Even thousands of animals were helped, thanks to the veterinarians on the ship.
The USNS Mercy hospital ship, along with the JDS Kunisaki, and dozens of NGO's and hundreds of volunteers came to Cambodia to help build (schools), repair (medical equipment in the public hospitals), drill (for water), and perform many other humanitarian tasks for almost 2 weeks.
They were happy to help, and we were all sure happy they came as well.
Arigato.....Thanks!
The JDS Kunisaki at the SihanoukVille Port Pier PP10 closing ceremony
It was a rainy day
in Sunny SihanoukVille
Rank has its privileges (especially in the rain)
It isn't a ceremony without the band.
The American Ambassador to Cambodia arrives
On the stage
The Cambodian military.
The Pacific Partnership 2010's big boss.
The Cambodian Navy kept watch for the ceremony
NCIS, now in it's 5th season.
And the band played again for the closing of the closing ceremony.
The JDS Kunisaki (and pretty lady) in SihanoukVille, Cambodia
You must say please, to cross this line
Some pictures of the pre-closing ceremony on the JDS Kunisaki, the night before.