US Navy chief highlights trust, partnerships as Pacific mission opens in Vietnam

The opening ceremony was jointly organized by the Quang Tri administration and the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, bringing together about 300 U.S. military personnel and experts, as well as representatives of Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and local authorities, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Pacific Partnership is the U.S. Navy's largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response mission in the Indo-Pacific region.

Meanwhile, Pacific Friendship is jointly organized by U.S. Army Pacific and the 18th Theater Medical Command, focusing on humanitarian assistance and capacity building in engineering, healthcare, and disaster management.

This year marks the first time the two initiatives have been combined into a single mission and hosted in Quang Tri.

The mission has been approved in principle by the Vietnamese prime minister and is supported by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and Public Security.

Speaking at the event, Cao said the mission's value lies not in the number of projects completed or patients treated, but in the relationships built, expertise shared, and trust developed among partners before disasters strike.

He said the PP-PF 26 program is meant to strengthen local capacity and help communities better prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Cao said that while military readiness is often measured by ships, aircraft, weapons systems, and training, effective disaster response also depends on strong partnerships among nations, armed forces, communities, and individuals.

Such partnerships, he added, form the foundation of preparedness and contribute to a safer and more stable Indo-Pacific region.

Under PP-PF 26, U.S. and Vietnamese experts will carry out 25 activities focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness, healthcare, infrastructure, and community engagement.

Participants will also engage in professional exchanges covering disaster response, public health, epidemic prevention, unexploded ordnance clearance, veterinary services, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.

Standing deputy chairman of the Quang Tri administration Hoang Nam described the mission as a symbol of solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility toward local communities.

He noted that 2026 marks the 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the U.S. and said bilateral ties have evolved from humanitarian cooperation and war legacy remediation efforts into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Nam said Quang Tri values cooperation with the U.S. in areas such as the search for missing persons, unexploded ordnance clearance, support for Agent Orange victims, healthcare, education, and community development.

He said these initiatives have delivered tangible benefits to local residents while strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.