DA NANG, Vietnam -- Marines and sailors of III Marine Expeditionary Force participated in Naval Exchange Activity 2013 April 22-24 in Da Nang, Vietnam.
During the activity, medical professionals with III MEF and the Vietnam People’s Navy engaged in subject-matter expert exchanges, including medical procedures and logistics support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, based on real-world case studies.
“We build relationships with our counterparts throughout the Asia-Pacific region, so that in the event an HA/DR situation occurs, which requires us to work together, we can provide assistance more rapidly and effectively,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Boyce R. Gier, a medical planner with the III MEF Surgeon’s Office. “Having these relationships helps both sides respond right way.”
Since 2010, the NEA has provided opportunities for U.S. and Vietnam naval professionals to share practices and exchange maritime skills, such as community service projects, firefighting and damage control, diving and salvage, and medical procedures.
The discussions and interactions provided valuable experiences and opportunities for medical professionals to exchange medical practices, according to Vietnam People’s Navy Lt. Nguyen Quoc An, a medical officer with the unit.
“We work well together,” said Quoc An. “If I have the chance to do this again next year, I will look forward to it.”
The exchange builds familiarity with Vietnamese counterparts through interaction and side-by-side approaches to noncombatant events and procedures, according to U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Stephen J. Himelspach, the future operations officer with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III MEF.
“This helps us get to know each other, establish similarities and differences between the U.S. and Vietnamese military forces and build a relationship,” said Himelspach.
These types of exchanges enhance cooperation based on mutual trust, understanding, shared interests, and also contribute to the stability of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole, according to Gier.
“It builds a base for us to work as bilateral partners in the future,” said Gier. “The more we interact throughout the entire region, the more peaceful it will be.”