Following an initial mission stop in Vietnam, the Pacific Partnership 2026 (PP26) team, has arrived in Indonesia, the second of five mission stops across the Indo-Pacific.
Led by U.S Navy Captain Robert C. Reyes and Commander (Cdr) Genevieve Chatelois, Pacific Partnership falls under Operation HORIZON, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) contribution to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The mission helps build humanitarian assistance and disaster response capacity, while deepening ties with Indo-Pacific countries.
Canadian personnel will work alongside participating nations including Australia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These efforts will bolster host nation capacity to administer critical humanitarian services and support efforts to prepare and respond to potential disaster emergencies in the region.
During the deployment, the Canadian PP26 mission team will work alongside host nation and mission partners to conduct medical exchanges, community outreach, and disaster preparedness engagements. The first stop took place in Vietnam in mid-June.
Building connections in Vietnam
On June 24 during the initial stop in Quang Tri, Vietnam, mission staff visited the Gio Linh Center for Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities for a community outreach and engagement event. The Gio Linh Center for Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities provides daily care, physical therapy, and support for disabled children and Agent Orange victims. Supported by the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange and Dioxin, the center serves as a critical lifeline for vulnerable youth in the region.
The contingent spent time interacted with 47 children doing arts and crafts, playing games, and participating in other recreational activities. Cdr Geneviève Chatelois stated, “It was nice to play tic-tac-toe, hand games and draw with kids. It is impressive to see that we can connect with the community through games and arts without needing to speak the same language. As a Canadian, it was truly moving to share this moment with the Vietnamese community.”
The sentiment was shared by the Canadian Task Force Padre, Maj Innocent Inienwe, who added that, "Drawing with the children was a powerful reminder that kindness and joy transcend language and culture. It was a privilege to share this moment with them and witness the hope, creativity, and resilience they expressed through art."
As Pacific Partnership 2026 continues through the Indo-Pacific, Canadian Armed Forces members will continue working alongside host nations and international partners to strengthen disaster response capabilities, share expertise and build lasting relationships with communities across the region