Participants of the USNS City of Bismarck and US Air Force personnel join the Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) and Pacific Angel 2024-3 (PA 24-3) in the central province of Quảng Ngãi. Photo courtesy of the US Consul General in HCM City

QUẢNG NGÃI — USNS City of Bismarck and US Air Force personnel are participating in the Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) and Pacific Angel 2024-3 (PA 24-3) in the central province of Quảng Ngãi, marking the beginning of the Việt Nam mission for strengthening disaster response preparedness and international cooperation.

The PP24-2 and PA 24-3 programmes have involved approximately 200 participants, including personnel from the Australian Defense Force, the British Armed Forces, Chile, Japan and members of the American armed forces from August 19-31.

“During this year’s Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel mission, we highlight the enduring friendship that drives the US-Việt Nam relationship forward in disaster response, medicine and education. This progress is even more meaningful when we consider how our two countries have overcome our shared past to build a brighter future for the next generation,” said US Consul General Susan Burns.

The Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel humanitarian mission includes a range of activities aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities, providing humanitarian assistance and fostering mutual understanding between partnering nations. Medical professionals will conduct exchanges and training sessions at various hospitals and medical centres in Quảng Ngãi, covering topics such as mass casualty incidents, surgeries, public health and control of infectious diseases.

In addition, US and Vietnamese officials will hold discussions on forest fire prevention, coastal erosion and natural disaster management, accompanied by a site survey of the Nghĩa An anti-erosion embankment.

“Our leaders understand the importance of collaboration, with experts both inside and outside of government, to strengthen and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly through disaster preparedness initiatives,” said US Navy Captain Daniel Keeler, PP24-2 Mission Commander.

The US Navy Band perform in the Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) and Pacific Angel 2024-3 programmes in Quảng Ngãi Province. Photo courtesy of the US Consul General in HCM City

“We aim to strengthen coordination on regional and global issues of shared concern and interest, contributing to collective efforts to uphold peace, stability, co-operation and development both in the region and worldwide.”

Construction efforts will also play a significant role in the mission, with repairs and renovations planned at several local facilities, including Tịnh Minh Kindergarten, Nghĩa Lộ Medical Station, Tịnh Khê Elementary School and Tịnh Khê Medical Station. These projects are designed to improve the infrastructure and resilience of local community sites.

The mission will also emphasise community engagement through a series of English language and music exchanges with students at local schools, fostering cultural interactions and mutual understanding.

“We are dedicated to working with each host nation and our sister branch to enhance capacity, interoperability, combined readiness and partnership in the Indo-Pacific,” said Major Bradley Emmett, PA 24-3 Mission Commander.

“The relationships built and sustained with our partners through these exercises, civil-military operations and military exchanges help preserve peace and stability in the region. We look forward to working with them in the upcoming week.”

The PP24-2 and PA 24-3 mission represents a milestone in foreign affairs engagement with Quảng Ngãi province, reinforcing the US-Việt Nam bilateral relationship nearly a year after the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The programme underscores the province’s commitment to global partnerships and disaster preparedness. — VNS