PANO - The Commander of US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr.; Major General Bui Trung Dung, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard; US Consul General Mary Tarnowka; Senior Colonel Dao Hong Nghiep, Commander of Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2; and Rear Admiral (Ret.) Gary Blore, Director of Operations, Readiness, and Exercises for the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency inaugurated a Vietnam Coast Guard maintenance boat haul-out facility in Quang Nam on October 28.

Developed with US support, the facility improve the capacity of Vietnam’s Coast Guard to train staff and maintain vessels in order to provide an effective deterrent and response to security threats in the waters off Vietnam’s long coastline.

Adm. Harris, Consul General Tarnowka, and Vietnam Coast Guard officials visit
the boat haul-out facility.

“These facility signify America’s commitment to improving our bilateral relations and Vietnam's commitment to its maritime security. The lasting impact will come from training Vietnam’s Coast Guard officers and is emblematic of our enduring commitment to Vietnam and to the region,” said Adm. Harris during the inauguration.

The boat maintenance facility is tangible evidence of the partnership between the US and Vietnam, and the shared commitment to strengthen the military-to-military relationship, specifically in the areas of maritime security, law enforcement and search and rescue efforts.

“Maritime security is an area that affects all of us, and something that we cannot take for granted. These fine facilities serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of many people focused on improving our combined ability to overcome maritime security challenges,” Adm. Harris continued.

During his visit to Vietnam, Admiral Harris spoke with Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi, toured Military Hospital 175 and the Jade Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, and met with leaders of the People’s Committee and Naval Region 3 Headquarters in Da Nang city.

Reported by Phuong Linh