Enhancing post-war collaboration between Vietnam and the U.S. through the establishment of an unexploded ordnance disposal training facility.
Chillin' with the Squibs: A New Playground for Bomb Disposal in Hanoi
Hey there, folks! Let's dive into some exciting news about a new hangout spot in Hanoi's Ba Vi district – – only this one's for the bomb-disposal dudes and dudettes!
Courtesy of the Office of Defence Cooperation (ODC) under the US Embassy in Vietnam, this two-hectare explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training facility has just been unveiled. This bad boy is part of Vietnam's National Mine Action Programme for 2010-2025, aiming to cleanup the war-torn mess left by those pesky mines and bombs.
Construction commenced back in July 2024, with the US government chipping in a cool US$700,000+. This sweet setup includes classrooms, bathrooms, assembly zones, mine detection/disposal areas, parking lots, internal roads, and even a special area for calibrating bomb-squad gear.
Keeping international standards in mind, this facility follows the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). The end goal? Strengthening Vietnam's bomb-removal skills and turning the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) into a national hub for EOD training, making for smoother and more effective operations.
The opening ceremony took place at a fitting time – the 30th anniversary of relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, coming hot on the heels of the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
US Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc E. Knapper, was all praises for the hard work done by the Vietnamese government and various organizations, like Norwegian People's Aid and PeaceTrees Vietnam, alongside partners like the Quang Tri Mine Action Centre. In his words, this facility represents the shared commitment to peace and security between the two nations, reinforcing Vietnam's valued place in the global community.
Maj. Gen. Lance Okamura, Deputy Commanding General for the US Army Pacific (USARPAC), called this facility's opening a major step forward in the ongoing humanitarian mine action program and the culmination of countless hours of thoughtful planning.
With this new facility, Vietnam's bomb-squad crew can train like never before, helping them face the remaining explosive ordnance-contaminated areas estimated to take up approximately 6 million hectares – about the size of Tasmania, according to recent reports. Plus, the collaboration with Japan, who's chipping in four mine-clearing machines to VNMAC, reflects the growing support from nations worldwide.
Delegates participnating the ceremony observe a demonstration of preparatory procedures before conducting bomb and mine clearance operations. -VNA/VNS Photo
As more folks learn the ropes, Vietnam inches closer to eliminating the threat of unexploded bombs once and for all, with a national strategy in the works that will keep them safe 'til 2050. So, next time you're in Hanoi, don't forget to drop by and support your local bomb disposal squad!
Sources:1. US Department of State2. Vietnam National Mine Action Centre3. United Nations Development Program
- The new explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training facility in Hanoi, funded partly by the US government, follows the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) to strengthen Vietnam's bomb-removal skills.
- The facility, part of the National Mine Action Programme of 2010-2025, aims to support war-torn remediation in Vietnam, with millions of hectares still estimated to be contaminated with explosive ordnance.
- The significance of this collaboration is acknowledged in the political sphere, as the opening of the facility coincides with the 30th anniversary of relations between the US and Vietnam and the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- In addition to the US government, various organizations such as Norwegian People's Aid and PeaceTrees Vietnam have also played crucial roles in this initiative, underscoring the importance of general-news and cohesion in international politics.
- To ensure effective bomb-disposal operations in the long run, the Vietnamese government is developing a national strategy to last until 2050, with the support of allies like Japan, who are providing mine-clearing machines to the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre.
