During the time in Nghe An, with a crew of over 1,200 the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy conducted over 12,000 medical treatments; performed 207 surgeries; and completed renovations and a new building for two health clinics.

Nghe An’s authorities said besides its humanitarian purpose, the programme also offered opportunities for Vietnamese medical workers to share professional knowledge and experiences with experts from the US and Japan, thus helping boost Vietnam- US and Vietnam- Japan ties.

The mission’s Commander, Captain James Morgan, expressed thanks to the government of Vietnam and local citizens for the incredible support they provided. “Without their help and local knowledge we would not have been able to accomplish so much,” he said.

The USNS Mercy is now heading towards Sihanouk-ville, Cambodia, for its fourth and final mission port.