Constructing the total force, one brick at a time

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. John Herrick
  • Pacific Unity 2011 Public Affairs
HA TINH, Vietnam --  In a perfect demonstration of total force integration, U.S. Navy Seabees, active duty and reserve U.S. Air Force members, and Vietnamese military members are working together throughout August to complete multiple humanitarian assistance projects in support of Pacific Unity 2011 in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam.

The Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, U.S. Air Force reservists from the 624th Civil Engineer Squadron, and active duty Airmen are part of the Engineering Civic Assistance Program (ENCAP), working alongside Vietnamese military and contractors to repair and improve three medical clinics across Ha Tinh. They are also making significant improvements on a nearby children's orphanage.

"Not only do we have active duty and reservists working side by side, we also have Navy, Air Force, Vietnamese military, Vietnamese contractors, even local volunteers working seamlessly to get the job done right. I can't picture a more diverse team," said Air Force Reserve Maj. Vinh Trinh, Pacific Unity 2011 mission commander. Trinh is an air reserve technician with 713th Combat Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Others have noticed the interoperability as well. "I like these guys. They definitely know what they are doing. All (military services) do things differently, but we all emerge with similar results," said Chief Petty Officer Corey Mead, Pacific Unity 2011 assistant officer-in-charge, when asked about his Air Force Reserve peers.

Approximately 45 U.S. and 15 Vietnamese military personnel are working together to make this a successful mission. This means providing subject matter expert exchanges, medical, engineering and humanitarian support throughout Ha Tinh. Rapidly nearing completion, the three clinics at Thach Dong, Thach Mon, and Ha Huy Tap are being prepared for the final touches before presentation to the Vietnamese public.

Those working alongside the Vietnamese have seen how this project is more than simply renovating clinics. "I think our work here is a small piece of the bigger goal of building a relationship with the people of Vietnam. I think our work will leave a lasting impression on the community which could grow into a great friendship," notes Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Hall, project supervisor at the Thach Dong clinic.

Led by 13th Air Force, Pacific Unity 2011 is like many other ENCAPs that take place across the Pacific. Beyond the concrete and paint, what makes Pacific Unity 2011 unique is that it combines assets from two U.S. military branches, local contractors, and the host-nation's military.

"The Vietnamese people are resourceful and work very hard," said Hall, "I just hope their military members will remember us working well together, I know I won't forget it."

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