A joint performance of the US-Việt Nam in the Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) and Pacific Angel 2024-3 (PA24-3) in the central Quảng Ngãi Province. The programme closed after a two-week mission. Photo courtesy of the US Consul General in HCM City

QUẢNG NGÃI – Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) and Pacific Angel 2024-3 (PA24-3) wrapped up a two-week mission with a closing ceremony in the central province on August 30.

This is the first time Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel have worked together to conduct a joint mission. The event marked the culmination of joint efforts to enhance disaster response capabilities and strengthen ties between the US and Việt Nam.

As the largest annual multilateral disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific, the US Navy’s Pacific Partnership joined forces for the first time with the US Air Force’s Pacific Angel to execute a series of humanitarian response exercises.

This year’s mission brought together approximately 200 participants from Australia, Chile, Japan, the UK, the US and Việt Nam, all working toward a common goal.

US and Vietnamese officials exchanged best practices and lessons learned on critical issues like forest fire prevention, coastal erosion and natural disaster management.

A site survey of the Nghĩa An anti-erosion embankment offered a hands-on opportunity to assess and discuss real-world challenges and opportunities to strengthen coastal community resilience and international cooperation.

Healthcare professionals played a pivotal role in this mission, conducting 40 expert exchanges and training sessions at hospitals and medical centres across the province. The sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics, from advanced life support to neurology, directly benefiting over 180 Vietnamese healthcare professionals and nearly 100 Vietnamese patients.

The team also successfully conducted numerous surgeries.

An English and music exchange event between the US and Việt Nam during the Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) and Pacific Angel 2024-3 programme in Quảng Ngãi Province. Photo courtesy of the US Consul General in HCM City

Commander of Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, Rear Admiral Todd Cimicata said: “It has truly been an honour to be in Việt Nam, working alongside the professionals in Quảng Ngãi, learning from one another, and creating connections with patients, students, fellow citizens and one another. Many thanks for your commitment to the 20th iteration of Pacific Partnership and the 16th iteration of Pacific Angel."

Construction efforts were another cornerstone of the mission, with renovations and repairs enhancing local facilities such as Tịnh Minh Kindergarten and Tịnh Khê Elementary School.

These projects not only improved infrastructure but also bolstered the resilience of community sites in disaster preparedness, highlighting the spirit of Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel of building local community resilience and benefiting the local people.

Community engagement added a cultural dimension to the mission. Through a series of cultural exchange programmes, English-language dialogues, sporting events and band performances.

US Navy and Air Force personnel met with approximately 800 students, teachers and administrators throughout Quảng Ngãi. In addition, American veterans were invited aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9) for a tour.

Reflecting on the experience, US Navy Captain Daniel Keeler, PP24-2 mission commander, said: “Our visit was incredibly rewarding and significantly expanded our capacity to respond to natural disasters together.

"We gained valuable insights from each other in the medical field and eagerly supported four building projects. The hospitality of the people of Quảng Ngãi was outstanding, and we are deeply thankful for the opportunity and the experience.”

Major Bradley Emmett, PA24-3 mission commander, summed up the sentiment of the mission: “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity given to us to work within Quảng Ngãi and Quảng Nam provinces as part of Pacific Angel 24-3.

"We also appreciate each province’s willingness to host engagements such as Pacific Angel, and truly appreciate the kindness and coordination of these provinces’ community partners and leaders who ensured this mission was a success.”

The completion of PP24-2 and PA24-3 represents a significant milestone in US-Việt Nam relations, coming nearly a year after the two countries upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This mission is a testament to the enduring strength and dynamism of the US-Việt Nam relationship, as both nations work together toward shared goals. Quảng Ngãi Province’s participation in this multinational mission underscores the province’s commitment to global partnerships and disaster preparedness. VNS