DILI- Preparations are underway for Pacific Angel 2018 (PAC ANGEL 18), a joint and combined regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief engagement led by Pacific Air Forces. A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft arriving in Dili on June 6 will bring U.S. military personnel to conduct the exercise in Suai, Cova Lima Municipality from June 11-16, 2018.  

PAC ANGEL 18 will include general health, dental, optometry, pediatrics, and engineering programs, as well as various subject-matter expert exchanges. “The United States, in coordination with our Timorese and Australian partners, developed Operation Pacific Angel to help meet the needs of the people of Timor-Leste,” said Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick, U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste. “As friends and partners, we care about the continued progress of this great country and are pleased that our collaboration can deliver these services.”

Pacific Angel is part of the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Timor-Leste to help improve the lives of Timorese and build the capacity of local authorities and security forces. Since 2007, Pacific Angel engagements have improved the lives of tens of thousands of people throughout the Pacific region. Following Timor-Leste, PAC ANGEL 18 engagements will also take place in Vanuatu, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. (pr)