The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have forged a strong collaborative relationship over the decades to account for personnel missing from the Vietnam War. Since 1973, their joint efforts have led to the identification and dignified burial of thousands of personnel. Each year, multiple investigations are conducted in Vietnam to collect evidence, investigate leads, and conduct excavations. The excavations are usually conducted by recovery teams (RTs), which are led by a U.S. military senior noncommissioned officer or a commissioned officer. However, in some instances, the RTs are led by Vietnamese officials, which are called Vietnamese recovery teams or VRTs.

Socialist Republic of Vietnam Col. Huy D. Nguyen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, was appointed by the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) board of directors to be the VRT’s team leader for a recovery mission ranging from July to September 2024. As team leader, it was his responsibility to coordinate with local authorities and set up the infrastructure at the recovery site, including site clearance, worker preparation, and lodging for team members. Nguyen’s goal was to keep team members on both sides in good spirits and promote a sense of rapport. “Two teams as one,” he said, was his mantra for the mission. Nguyen had been part of 10 missions with DPAA, but this was his first time as a team leader. However, to Nguyen, every mission, just like his current one, presents its own obstacles to overcome.

“The main challenge has to be the sheer amount of prep work that had to be done for the two sites in one single mission, as well as other logistical issues and moving parts during the beginning of the mission” he said. “But it is with incredible efforts, resilience, and cooperation on both sides the teams were able to eventually settle down, get things in order and achieve meaningful on- field results.”

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Nicole McMinamin, the U.S. team leader for this VRT, served as an intermediary between the U.S. team members and the Vietnamese. Of the 15 missions she has been on, this was her first VRT. She noticed significant differences between a VRT and a regular RT.

“I have found that the VNOSMP are force multipliers in terms of preparing the area for site operations, advising the team on local food and cultural customs, and coordinating efforts to help with the assistance and management of the local workforce,” McMinamin said. “They have really taken care of the team, from providing meals and coordinating hotel stays. The procurement of the local workforce is a huge part of what the VNOSMP bring to the table, the extra manning is what makes these recovery missions possible in the limited time we have.”

VRTs are special as they allow host nations to ease recovery teams into favorable positions for efficient and expedient mission operations, since half the battle is knowing the landscape and the local force. They also foster camaraderie between the two nations, who feel it is an honor to be a part of such a solemn mission, as Nguyen does.

“To me personally, being able to take part in these humanitarian missions has always been an honor and privilege,” Nguyen said. “It is my hope that positive results will come with all the hard work from everyone involved. In my capacity as team leader, I will contribute to the best of my abilities towards this goal.”

Cooperation between nations is what makes these recovery missions possible. McMinamin shared this sentiment alongside her deep appreciation for the VNOSMP and Col. Nguyen’s contributions to the agency’s mission.

“I think the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnamese is so important because without their help and assistance of individuals like Col. Nguyen, our mission would not continue in Vietnam and a lot of families would not get the closure by having their loved ones returned to them,” McMinamin said.

In the end, the success of these recovery missions hinges on the unwavering cooperation between nations and the dedication of individuals like Nguyen and McMinamin. Their collective efforts not only bring closure to families but also underscore the profound impact of international collaboration in addressing humanitarian needs. As the teams continue their work, the spirit of unity and mutual respect remains a testament to their shared commitment to honoring and recovering the memories of those who served. The legacy of their mission is a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the U.S. and Vietnam, and the commitment to never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.