Vietnamese forces confident about participating in Brunei ADMM+ maneuver

PANO – Within the framework of the ongoing ADMM+ Maneuver 2016 on maritime security and counterterrorism in Brunei, representatives of the participating delegations held meetings on May 2nd in the Multinational Coordination Center at Muara port. Delegates at the meetings discussed ideas and worked out the final draft program for steering exercises with the participation of real forces at sea and counterterrorism operations.

Careful preparations for the maneuver

During the meetings, leaders of the participating delegations focused their discussion on scenarios, situations, and actions of the Maneuver Command, as well as on the activities of participating forces. Delegates discussed different views in a frank and thorough manner, and finally agreed on the general program.

Meanwhile, the participating delegations actively prepared forces and assets for the upcoming exercises. They also expressed their satisfaction with the host’s organization and logistic supplies.

Vietnamese officers discussing the exercise plan with their peers from other ADMM+ countries

The Vietnamese delegation attended all meetings and contributed their ideas to the final draft program on the maneuver. All participating Vietnamese officers and soldiers studied the plans for the upcoming maritime security exercises and counterterrorism operations. They checked every technical condition of the ship, the command and control systems, and communication devices for the last time. While Vietnamese officers rehearsed activities of the command, according to simulated scenarios and situations, their men carefully studied instructions on operations and coordination activities of the participating forces from the software on the maneuver.

Members of the participating Vietnamese delegation studying the plans for the upcoming exercises and operations

But a number of problems arose. Some ASEAN countries said their ships do not have modern equipment and devices as their peers from developed countries have. They proposed that the host seek appropriate solutions for communications and coordination between ships of different kinds and levels.

Participating Vietnamese delegation ready for the maneuver

Colonel Duong Minh Hoa, Deputy Commander of Brigade 162, Naval Zone 4 of the Vietnam Navy, and the head of the participating Vietnamese delegation, said Vietnam will participate fully in all activities and operations of the maneuver. Emphasizing the significance of the maneuver, he said: “Vietnam has sent its naval contingents to a number of international military exercises and maneuvers. But this is the first time the Vietnam Navy has participated in such a large-scale multilateral maneuver within the framework of ADMM+. We can learn good lessons from this maneuver. The maneuver also helps promote mutual understanding and trust between participating navies. We will try our best to increase the status of Vietnamese naval and commando forces and the Vietnam People’s Army.”

Vietnamese troops, and their peers from other countries, learning exercise contents from the simulation software for the maneuver

Captain Nguyen Huu Duc, of ship 381, said the crew prepared and maintained all equipment and weaponry of the ship after anchoring at Muara port. “So the crew and ship are ready for exercises and operations of the maneuver.”

On the afternoon of May 2nd, participating forces continued preparing their forces and vehicles for the opening ceremony on May 3rd.