Maj. Gen. Lance Okamura, Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), visited Vietnam from March 22 to 25, meeting with Sr. Lt. Gen. Phùng Sĩ Tấn of the Vietnam People’s Army to discuss ongoing military cooperation and war legacy issues as part of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper, Maj. Gen. Okamura officiated at the handover ceremony for the Ba Vi Humanitarian Mine Action Demolition Training Range (Ba Vi Range). This facility aims to bolster Vietnam's ability to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) and represents a significant step in U.S.-Vietnam relations as they mark 30 years of diplomatic ties.
“U.S. Army Pacific, through the HMA program, has supported the Vietnam Mine Action Center (VNMAC) demining efforts since 2016," stated Okamura during the event.
Ambassador Knapper highlighted that “Vietnam will become increasingly able to contribute to the challenge of UXO around the world,” emphasizing shared safety goals between both nations.
The ambassador also acknowledged contributions from NGOs like Norwegian People’s Aid and PeaceTrees Vietnam in this area.
Addressing war legacies is central to U.S.-Vietnam relations, which have strengthened since diplomatic ties were established in 1995.
USARPAC anticipates further collaboration with Vietnam on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief training, and other military support initiatives.
The Ba Vi Range spans two hectares with a $700,000 investment and meets International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). It supports clearance operations under Vietnam’s National Program 504 and provides specialized training facilities for handling explosives safely.
Since 1993, the United States has been a major donor for UXO clearance in Vietnam, contributing over $250 million. A memorandum signed in December 2013 continues this cooperation effort, significantly improving safety and livelihoods in Central Vietnam since its inception in 1994.