Vietnamese Peacekeepers Head to Africa

This September, Vietnamese peacekeepers set off on an important mission to Africa, supported by their homeland. At the Air Force Division 371’s airfield, hundreds of soldiers donned in blue helmets prepared for a significant journey, with the sound of a brisk wind and the glow of sunlight around them.

They are being transported by the Australian Air Force’s C1-17 aircraft, covering a vast distance from Vietnam, which represents the largest troop deployment for Vietnam’s peacekeeping forces this year.

The Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6 will take over from the previous team at the UNMISS mission in South Sudan, with 63 dedicated members. Simultaneously, Engineering Team No. 3, which proudly includes 18 women among its total of 184 members, is set to assume responsibilities at the UNISFA mission in Abyei.

As the farewell began, emotions ran high with tears, hugs, and a vibrant red flag symbolizing their mission. Many soldiers expressed their feelings, leaving their children in the care of grandparents and asking spouses to manage both parental roles in their absence.

Among the peacekeepers, the youthful couple Captain Hoang Huu Cong Thanh and Lieutenant Nguyen Thi Nguyet Ha from Hai Duong stood out, sharing this opportunity as members of Engineering Team No. 3.

While their teammates experienced emotional farewells, Captain Thanh and Lieutenant Ha held hands, radiating joy as they prepared to embark together.

Many joked that the most essential items they carry to Africa are their spouses, emphasizing the uniqueness of their shared journey.

Having been married for nearly a year, this couple has consistently supported each other in both their military training and duties. Captain Thanh served as a Military Observer in South Sudan during the previous year.

Actively seeking a meaningful mission to undertake together, they received the chance this year when Lieutenant Ha was selected for a role in peacekeeping by the United Nations. Captain Thanh, having recently served abroad, volunteered to accompany her on this new endeavor.

“Through the practical experiences my husband has shared, I’ve gained valuable survival skills and military knowledge,” Lieutenant Ha explained.

In their respective roles, Captain Thanh will act as a Civil-Military Coordination Officer, while Lieutenant Ha will manage administrative responsibilities.

As part of the Peacekeeping Department, Lieutenant Ha is inspired by stories from teammates returning from missions, fueling her determination to serve.

“Each year, my motivation intensifies. I look forward to contributing more effectively upon my return,” she stated, highlighting her ambition to deepen her understanding of peacekeeping and related policies.

Both families have been incredibly supportive, allowing the couple to confidently approach their mission.

Simultaneously, Major Mai Thi Hang deeply bids farewell to her family and unit. This mission holds a special significance for her, as the airfield at Division 371 is her home base before serving as a Logistics Officer on Engineering Team No. 3.

Major Hang’s aspiration to join UN peacekeeping forces grew stronger as she witnessed her unit’s teammates return from successful missions. After two decades in the military, each assignment presents not only a personal challenge but a chance to uphold her family’s military legacy.

“With a People’s Armed Forces hero as my uncle and family members who sacrificed for the country, we’re proud of our history. He encouraged me to continue the family’s legacy before I left,” she recounted with pride.

As Major Hang prepares, she sets high expectations for herself, aiming to fulfill her family’s and agency’s hopes while making a lasting impression of a peaceful Vietnam to international allies and locals.

“I worry about my children, a son in 10th grade and a daughter in her early development stages, but my husband’s unwavering support eases my mind,” she expressed emotionally.

Prior to leaving, Major Hang and her young daughter lovingly cut their hair short together, a gesture of understanding from the child.

Training for their mission encompassed nearly a year, focusing on skills from foreign experts, with no gender distinctions in requirements—covering English proficiency, UN protocols, survival strategies, and understanding the host nation’s cultural landscape.

In addition to necessary equipment, Major Hang brought two crepe myrtle plants, reminiscent of “summer cherry blossoms,” to comfort her whenever homesickness strikes.

The love and encouragement from their families serve as a profound inspiration, providing strength to Major Hang and the couple as they confidently embark on their important United Nations peacekeeping mission.