HONOLULU — The Navy plans to send doctors and engineers to six Asia-Pacific nations this year as part of its annual humanitarian aid program.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet said Wednesday the USNS Mercy hospital ship is due to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and East Timor between June and September.
Another vessel is expected to sail to Palau and Papua New Guinea.
The program’s doctors will be ready to diagnose ailments, hand out medicine and perform surgeries.
The engineers are prepared to repair schools and clinics as well as build infrastructure needed by the host nations.
The Pacific Fleet has been providing similar humanitarian aid since 2005.
The military says the programs allow it to strengthen countries and boost its cooperation with other nations.