The USS John L Canley can be seen from quite a distance berthed outside the Apia Harbour. The 239 metre long United States Navy ship arrived in Apia to support the Pacific Partnership 2025 mission. 

Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Apia, Laila Gillam, said the Pacific Partnership 2025 is the US Navy’s largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. 

"From 22 October to 1 November, the mission will bring the USS John Canley (ship) along with hundreds of US military personnel to Samoa to work collectively with the Samoan government and partner nations to enhance regional collaboration and disaster response capabilities, provide medical collaboration and community outreach, including a community health fair and performances by the Pacific Partnership band.  By doing so, we hope to foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific and Samoa," she said.

The mission helps communities with medical care, engineering work, disaster planning, and other outreach activities. Medical teams work with local hospitals and clinics to provide free services and share knowledge with local health workers.

From October 24 to 27, free clinics are held from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at the National Hospital Tupua Tamasese Meaole in Motootua. These clinics offer dental screenings, fluoride treatments, and extractions.

More free health services will be available at different places around Upolu:

• October 25: EFKS Hall, Mulinuu (10 am – 4 pm)

• October 27: Faleolo District Hospital (10 am – 3 pm)

• October 28: Lalomanu District Hospital (10 am – 3 pm)

• October 29: Poutasi District Hospital (10 am – 3 pm)

• October 30: Saanapu Health Centre (10 am – 3 pm)

• October 31: Lufilufi Health Centre (10 am – 3 pm)

The free health screenings include eye exams, dental care, and general health checks.

The Pacific Partnership Band will play live music at the community event on Saturday at the EFKS Hall and again on October 31 at the STA night market.

"This mission gives families and communities a chance to get free health services and meet people from different countries working together to make the Pacific region safer and healthier," said Gilliam.