Major General Lance Okamura, Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), and the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper presided over the handover ceremony of the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training range in Ba Vi district on March 24. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, the range aims to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO).
The explosive ordnance disposal training range (Ba Vi range), which was commenced in 2024 with an investment of 700,000 USD, covers a total area of 2 hectares in Ba Vi district. The facility complies with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and is designed to develop mine action personnel for clearance operations in support of Vietnam’s National Program 504.
It features a dedicated training area aligned with IMAS for handling explosive materials, conducting investigations and surveys, performing clearance operations, testing equipment, and training in demolition procedures.
Major General Lance Okamura stated that the facility will provide the Vietnam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC) with a dedicated range to conduct explosive ordnance disposal training, continue instructor development, and meet requirements on management and implementation of mine action activities.
The project marks a significant milestone in the U.S. commitment to addressing the legacies of war and the USARPAC-Vietnam Humanitarian Mine Action Program, and as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations.
“Vietnam will become increasingly able to contribute to the challenge of UXO around the world, reinforcing its role as a responsible and proactive member of the international community and demonstrating our shared goal of making America, Vietnam, and the world a safer place,” shared Ambassador Marc E. Knapper.
The U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper speaks at the handover ceremony of the explosive ordnance disposal training range in Ba Vi district, on 24 March. Photo: The U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.
Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, stated that post-war mine action cooperation is a key foundation that enables the two countries to elevate ties to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
He requested the VNMAC to coordinate with relevant agencies to manage and use the training facility in compliance with regulations. He also expressed his belief that the U.S. cooperation and support in addressing the legacies of war will help strengthen cooperation for peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world.
Addressing war legacy issues remains a cornerstone of the strong relationship between the two nations. Major General Okamura noted that USARPAC looks forward to future collaboration with Vietnam in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training, military medical support, engineer projects, and civil-military outreach programs.
The delegates visit the exhibition area showcasing models of explosive ordnance. Photo: The U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.
The U.S. is the largest donor to the survey and clearance of UXO in Vietnam, contributing over $250 million since 1993. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on continued unexploded ordnance cooperation in December 2013 and an in-depth cooperation plan in 2023.
At a press briefing on March 20, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang reaffirmed that war legacy cooperation is a fundamental element of Vietnam-U.S. relations. She emphasized its importance in reconciliation, trust-building, and expanding cooperation in other key areas.
"Many joint Vietnam-U.S. projects in this field are ongoing or being restarted, including UXO clearance and the decontamination of Bien Hoa Air Base," she said.
She added that the effective implementation of these projects will make a meaningful contribution to strengthening the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Source: vnexpress.net
