On June 22, 2026, U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao visited Quang Tri to officially launch the 2026 Pacific Partnership Program (PP26). This initiative, led by the U.S. Navy alongside the Pacific Friendship Program (PF26) organized by the U.S. Army, aims to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in collaboration with Vietnamese officials.

During the opening ceremony held in Dong Hoi, Secretary Cao highlighted the significance of collaborative activities in maintaining long-term regional stability and security. He stated, "Our joint efforts in Quang Tri hold special meaning, as this area has played a crucial role in reconciliation and addressing war-related issues. The initiatives here aim to manage unexploded ordnance, support disabled individuals, and enhance community capacity, laying the groundwork for a strong defense and security partnership."

In the upcoming two weeks, approximately 270 U.S. personnel, including active-duty members, reservists, and National Guard members from Oregon, will work directly with the Vietnam People’s Army, government officials, and local community leaders. They will also collaborate with partner forces from Canada and Germany. The multinational team will engage in over 20 military-civilian cooperative activities across four key areas: construction, health, disaster response management, and cultural exchanges.

At the opening ceremony, Secretary Cao spoke about the role of joint activities in maintaining regional stability and the importance of cooperation for long-term security. He remarked, "The first-time collaboration between the Pacific Partnership and the Pacific Friendship Program, along with our Vietnamese partners, demonstrates our shared commitment to regional resilience. As we continue to develop the Future Fleet, we are not only preparing for future crises but also building trust and stronger cooperative relationships, which is the foundation of a safe and stable Pacific region."

Activities planned for the program include constructing new sanitation facilities, conducting community health care programs at the Quang Tri Center for Disease Control, providing health check-ups and dental care at local schools, and organizing workshops on disaster management. Other initiatives involve training in emergency response and handling unexploded ordnance, as well as cultural and sports exchanges in local schools.

This stop in Quang Tri marks the first of five locations for this year's Pacific Partnership Program, with subsequent stops planned in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. The year 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Pacific Partnership Program, which was first implemented to leverage goodwill and lessons learned from U.S. disaster relief efforts following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. This program also reinforces the 31-year diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam through practical training activities that build trust and ensure both nations can respond quickly and effectively in real crisis situations.

In related news, on June 22, General Phan Van Giang congratulated Hung Cao on his appointment as U.S. Navy Secretary. Additionally, Jennifer Wicks recently took the oath of office as the first female U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam.