As soon as the musicians started playing the notes, the children raised their voices to sing along. 

“La’u Samoa, e matalasi, ua si’osi’omia e le sami,” they sang.  Then louder: “Atu mauga lanu lau ‘ava, feoa’i fi afi a o ou tagata!”

This was the joyous scene on Thursday at Apia’s Campus of Hope, run by the Samoa Victim Support Group. The multinational Pacific Partnership band, with members from Australia, Canada and the United States, arrived in Samoa this week aboard the USS John L. Canley – the grey ship currently at anchor off Apia Harbour.

The ship and its crew are here as part of the annual US Navy-led Pacific Partnership mission, the largest annual multinational humanitarian and civic assistance mission in the Pacific region.

For each stop, the Pacific Partnership endeavours to add local songs to its repertoire. In addition to an instrumental rendition of “Samoa Matalasi,” vocalists Miella Sartori from the Australian Army and U.S. Navy Musician 3rd Class Damian Chambers have also prepared to sing “Penina o Tiafau” for local audiences.

“We bounce off each other really well,” said Sartori. “The best bit is being spontaneous. You see an opportunity and you take it,” Musician Sartori said.

The band will have several public performances over the coming week.  On Saturday, 25 October, the band performed at EFKS Church Hall in Mulinuu during the Community Health Engagement, where Pacific Partnership medical personnel offered free eye exams and dental checks.

On Tuesday, 28 October, students, faculty and the public can enjoy a lunchtime performance at Fale Samoa at the National University of Samoa.

Then on Friday, 31 October, come out to the night market at Samoa Cultural Village for performances at 7 pm and 9 pm.

Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. 

“Improving regional interoperability—especially ahead of high-risk weather season— ensures the Pacific family can support one another when disasters strike,” said Commander of the Australian Contingent, Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader Gurkirat Singh.

The Australian Defence Force’s disaster management planner, Major Paul Randall, highlighted the value of joint training and planning. “Practicing our deployment and communication in a mass rescue scenario ensures we’re ready to respond together when it matters most”.

Members of the public are invited to the remaining free health clinics in Faleolo on 27 October, Lalomanu on 28 October, Poutasi on 29 October, Saanapu on 30 October and Lufilufi on 31 October. Pacific Partnership 2025 will conclude