• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Patriot and Guardian Wrap Up Historic Vietnam Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071120-09
Release Date: 11/20/2007 3:58:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua J. Wahl, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Sasebo, Japan

HAI PHONG, Vietnam (NNS) -- After completing a historic four-day port visit to Hai Phong, Vietnam on Nov. 18, the mine countermeasures ships USS Patriot (MCM 7) and USS Guardian (MCM 5) departed after successfully strengthening the U.S. diplomatic role in Vietnam.

The presence of Patriot and Guardian in Hai Phong unlocked the opportunity for increased U.S.-Vietnam interaction reflecting the growing commitment and cooperation between the two countries.

Highlights from the port visit included two days of friendship-building community service projects at the Hai Phong School for Deaf Children and the School for Blind Children of Hai Phong City and volleyball matches between Sailors of the visiting U.S. ships and the People's Army of Vietnam navy.

The visit also included military-to-military talks, ship tours for Vietnamese military personnel, political leaders and local citizens and a special pier-side reception for a variety of invited Vietnamese guests.

"The success of this visit was a big step in the continual process of improving relationships between our two countries," said Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Shultz, Patriot's commanding officer. "It's a step for the future, as both countries continue to look for ways to increase the peace and prosperity in the region."

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak, who was present at a variety of events throughout the ships' port visit, commented on the degree of "our sincere friendship and goodwill felt towards the people of Vietnam," and how it is a key factor in the global security, stability and prosperity throughout the region.

Sailors from Patriot and Guardian enjoyed their Vietnam experience and interacting with their hosts.

"I was a little apprehensive about going out at first, but everywhere we went, from the community relations projects to just walking out in town, the people were excited to see us and treated us very friendly," said Mineman 3rd Class (SW) Brandon Hamilton.

By spending time with the Vietnamese people, many Sailors walked away from the experience with a better understanding of the local customs and traditions and support of stronger U.S. and Vietnam relations.

"I was amazed how small of a world it is when I met a student in Hai Phong that I went to high school with back in California," said Engineman 2nd Class (SW) Victor Seth. "It makes you think if we try, we can really work together here and around the world for a better tomorrow."