From Task Force 73 Public Affairs
In this file photo, USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) arrives in Sri Lanka earlier this month during Pacific Partnership 2017. (U.S. Navy/ MC2 Joshua Fulton) >>
YANGON, Myanmar - Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) is making a goodwill visit to Yangon, Myanmar, March 21-25.
The visit aims to enhance friendship and cultural exchange between U.S. service members and the people of Myanmar.
The ship is transiting between mission stops in Sri Lanka and Malaysia for the annual Pacific Partnership mission, a multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HA/DR) preparedness operation which promotes greater cooperation between nations across the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
While in Myanmar, the crew of Fall River will conduct engagements with the Myanmar navy and participate in cultural tours in the city of Yangon. The U.S. 7th Fleet band will also perform at the U.S. Embassy American Center, and band members will meet with local musicians during coordinated musical exchanges.
"We are honored to sail the USNS Fall River and the international Pacific Partnership mission of friendship and disaster preparedness into Yangon as guests of the people of Myanmar," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander of the U.S. Navy's Task Force 73. "We thank the Myanmar government, people, and navy for hosting this historic visit and we look forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Myanmar."
Fall River's visit to Myanmar will serve as the first time a U.S. Navy ship to make an official port call to Myanmar since the World War II era.
"This is a very unique opportunity for our mission staff and crew," said Capt. Stan Chien, mission commander for Pacific Partnership. "We look forward to our engagements with the Myanmar navy and learning more about the rich culture of Myanmar."
Fall River, with an embarked crew of civilian mariners, military doctors, civil engineers, and multi-service support staff, is currently the mission platform for Pacific Partnership 2017, which runs through June with stops in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam.