NASSCO-built USS John L. Canley joins Pacific Partnership exercise

The NASSCO-built expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley arrived in the island country of Palau on Monday to join allied navies in the Pacific Partnership exercise, the Navy announced.

The 785-foot-long ship built in Barrio Logan is a floating military base that can support combat operations, special forces and humanitarian assistance. Its flight deck can accommodate helicopters, tiltrotors and drones, and there are berths for 250 Marines or other personnel along with extensive vehicle and equipment storage.

The Pacific Partnership mission also includes stops in the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Philippines.

“It’s wonderful for our mission to return to Palau, where we look forward to working alongside our multinational allies, partners, and friends as we prepare in calm for possible future time of crisis,” said Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander for Pacific Partnership.

“It’s exciting to be here, as our nations share a rich history of collaboration and cultural ties. We look forward to strengthening that mutual cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead,” he said.

The annual Pacific Partnership exercise grew out of U.S. efforts to support humanitarian relief in the aftermath of the December 2005 tsunami that devastated parts of Southeast Asia.

The ship, which was commissioned in 2024, is named in honor of Marine Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, who received the Medal of Honor after his actions in the Battle of Hue City in the Vietnam War.