160715-N-QW941-127 DA NANG, Vietnam (July 15, 2016) Senior Pacific Partnership 2016 leadership depart JS Shimokita (LST-4002) prior to the opening ceremony welcoming Pacific Partnership 2016 to Da Nang. USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and Shimokita joined Vietnam People's Navy ship Khánh Hóa in Da Nang, marking the seventh time the mission visited Vietnam in the past eleven years. Partner nations will work side-by-side with local military and non-government organizations to conduct cooperative health engagements, community relation events and subject matter expert exchanges to better prepare for natural disaster or crisis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Kohlrus/Released)