Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Hung Cao visited Truong Ninh commune, Quang Tri province, on the morning of 23/6, to inspect a search area for American service members missing in action (MIA) from the war. This visit was part of the Pacific Partnership - Friends 2026 (PP-PF26) program.

The search site is where two F-111A crew members, tail number 66-0022, went missing during a night flight mission on 28/3/1968. The U.S. has collaborated with Vietnam on multiple recovery efforts here to locate remains.

During his one-hour site inspection, Hung Cao spoke with the search team and participated in the process of sifting through soil and rocks to find the remains of missing persons.

Hung Cao participates in the process of sifting through soil and rocks to search for the remains of missing persons. Photo: Dac Thanh

Hung Cao stated that if remains are found, the search team will conduct DNA testing to identify the missing individual and return them to their families.

"In yesterday's meeting, I discussed with General Secretary and President To Lam that the two sides will continue to cooperate to ensure the full repatriation of remains, as this is essential for healing the wounds of war," Hung Cao said.

According to the acting secretary of the U.S. Navy, the war ended over half a century ago, and the only way for the two countries to move forward together is to heal the losses of the past.

"This is the time for us to put the past behind us and move forward together," he said. "We can aim for zero tariffs and cooperate to achieve free trade between our two countries, while also enhancing comprehensive cooperation."

As a Vietnamese American holding the highest position in the U.S. Department of the Navy, Hung Cao emphasized that Vietnam is his origin, and his parents have always been proud to be Vietnamese.

"I always tell people that I am an American, but a Vietnamese American. My heart always belongs to America, but the blood in me is Vietnamese blood," he affirmed.

Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Hung Cao visits the search site for missing service members in Truong Ninh commune, Quang Tri province, on the morning of 23/6. Video: Dac Thanh

Hung Cao remarked that his return to Vietnam is not only a diplomatic mission but also a symbolically complete moment in U.S. - Vietnam relations.

"The blood in me is Vietnamese blood; this is where I was born. Returning here, especially to Quang Tri, where my father was born and raised, holds profound meaning for me. This is truly a full circle," he shared.

He noted that the U.S. has implemented numerous war legacy mitigation programs in Vietnam since 1991. In 2014, while still serving in the military, he visited Vietnam to train divers in techniques for recovering and disposing of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the seabed.

"We have a principle to be responsible for our weapons from production until destruction. When we find UXO, we must safely dispose of it so no one else is harmed," he stated.

The search area for missing U.S. service members in a local garden in Truong Ninh commune, Quang Tri province. Photo: Dac Thanh

Regarding naval cooperation between the two countries, he believes that visits by U.S. hospital ships and naval vessels within the Pacific Partnership program have generated many positive impacts, particularly in healthcare and disaster response.

"The first time we meet should not be the first time we need each other to solve a challenge. That is why the Pacific Partnership program is so important," he said.

During yesterday's reception for Hung Cao at the Presidential Office, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam consistently considers the U.S. a top strategic partner. He expressed a desire to continue actively implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework with the U.S.

The General Secretary and President proposed that the U.S. continue to maintain and expand dioxin remediation projects, unexploded ordnance clearance, and support for people with disabilities in Vietnam. He also requested increased technology transfer, information provision, and artifact assistance to help locate and identify the remains of Vietnamese martyrs.

General Secretary and President To Lam converses with Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Hung Cao on 22/6. Photo: TTXVN

These cooperative activities not only carry deep humanitarian significance but also demonstrate efforts to heal, reconcile, and build trust between the two nations.

Hung Cao shared his deep impression of Vietnam's development and increasing international standing. He stated that in his capacity as acting secretary of the U.S. Navy and as someone with Vietnamese blood, he will continue to support and participate in efforts for the Vietnamese community in the U.S. to connect and contribute to the peace, self-reliance, and development of the country, as well as to Vietnam - U.S. relations.

Dac Thanh