From Hospital to Hospitality

The call to duty on Exercise Pacific Partnership took a slightly different path when members of the Australian contingent volunteered to work in the ship’s galley, mess and scullery as part of the volunteer program aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy.

The volunteer program is aimed at boosting morale and giving personnel the opportunity to work in other areas of the ship that are outside of their normal routine.

Chief Petty Officer - Coxswain Sean Goff said it was a good experience for the Australians that volunteered to work in the messing area.

"Everyone enjoyed participating but it was hard work," Chief Goff said.

"It opened our eyes to how hard it is to feed and clean-up after 1000 people per meal sitting."

The galley duty was an opportunity for the Australian contingent to make more friendships prior to the Ships arrival in Dili, Timor Leste.