Eight New Zealand Defence Force personnel will join a United States nursing ship to provide medical support to the people of Papua New Guinea.
Two navy, four army and two air force personnel will join the USNS Mercy over the next three weeks.
They will work alongside military medical personnel from 13 other nations.
The USNS Mercy has a surgical suite which includes three operating theatres, 50 ward beds, a laboratory, and radiology and pharmacy services.
Minister of Defence Phil Goff says the ship will visit the capital, Port Moresby.
