Personnel wave goodbye to colleagues and loved ones at the airport. Depending on their assignments, they will spend approximately one year on their mission.

247 personnel from the Vietnamese field hospital and Engineering Unit 4 gathered beside a C-17 aircraft at Tan Son Nhat Airport (TP HCM). After a departure ceremony, they embarked on a journey of over 10,000 km to South Sudan and the Abyei region for an international peacekeeping mission.

Abyei, a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, has yet to find a lasting peaceful solution despite a ceasefire agreement signed on 20/6/2011. The deployment of UN peacekeepers aims to stabilize the situation and facilitate dialogue.

The peacekeepers completed training in political, military, logistical, and medical fields. They also received specialized training in international trauma care, medical air transport, and preventing sexual violence.

The peacekeepers boarded the aircraft.

The American-made Boeing C-17, one of the world's largest military transport aircraft, can carry 158 personnel and military equipment. In emergencies, such as evacuations, it can transport over 800 people. The aircraft has a range of 4,480 km and a top speed of 950 km/h. These capabilities have earned the C-17 the nickname "workhorse" among military transport aircraft.

Before boarding, loved ones shared final moments with the departing peacekeepers. Nguyen Thi Hoai An bids farewell to her boyfriend, Dang Dinh Nguyen Huan. "I hope he stays healthy and performs his duties well," An said.

The peacekeepers, dressed in camouflage uniforms, blue berets with UN emblems, and carrying 30 kg backpacks, headed towards the aircraft.

Since 2018, the transport of Vietnamese personnel to South Sudan has been handled by the Australian Air Force using C-17 aircraft.

Peacekeepers pose for photos with loved ones before departure.

Lieutenant Duong Thi Hong Nhung, 25, (pictured center) previously worked at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Ministry of National Defense). After being selected for the mission, she underwent 6 months of training in skills related to constructing administrative facilities, schools, and hospitals.

“I am honored to be chosen for this international mission. While I'm a bit nervous, I am prepared to adapt quickly and fulfill my duties," Nhung said.

Major Tran Van Son hugged his 8-year-old daughter goodbye. Son, who works at the 211 Military Hospital in Gia Lai, will be responsible for diagnostic imaging and medical support in South Sudan.

“I'll be away from home for a long time. Although I will miss my family, I will adapt to the new environment and complete my mission successfully," Son said.

Chloe Maric, First Secretary for Defense Policy of Australia, offered words of encouragement to Lieutenant Do Hoang Thanh Tam, 24, the youngest member of the contingent.

Vietnam first deployed peacekeepers for international missions in 2018. To date, the Ministry of National Defense has sent over 1,100 personnel to participate in UN peacekeeping operations, contributing to the socioeconomic development of the Abyei region.

Thanh Tung - Dinh Van