US and Cambodian military personnel are conducting civil engineering projects in Takeo Province, Cambodia, as part of the latest iteration of the Pacific Angel humanitarian-assistance initiative. Operation Pacific Angel 13-5 runs from Sept. 9 to Sept. 14, according to a US Pacific Command release. The engineers—some 16 from the United States and 20 from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces—are refurbishing three health centers, states the Sept. 10 release. Activities include roofing, rewiring, sheeting, and installing water pipes. “During this operation, we hope to improve civil-military cooperation between our nations and to learn from each other,” said Lt. Col. Greg Nowak, PACANGEL mission commander. This is the fifth and final PACANGEL operation this year, following activities in Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. (Takeo Province report by SMSgt. Allison Day) (See also Pacific Angel Touches Down in Sri Lanka.)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
