Aussies proud of peacekeeping role
Every pallet loaded and every list checked gave Private Naomi Manton and Leading Aircraftman Blair Andrews pride in supporting the Vietnam People’s Army contingent to the United Nations mission to South Sudan (UNMISS).
CAPTION: Royal Australian Air Force aviators help load cargo to a C-17A Globemaster at Ho Chi Minh City International Airport before deploying Vietnamese UN peacekeepers to South Sudan. Story and photos by Corporal Luke Bellman.
It was their first peacekeeping mission as movement operators and involved coordinating cargo, logistics and supporting Vietnam’s medical contingent on deployment.
The ADF supported the deployment with strategic airlift assistance, carrying Vietnamese personnel and equipment on a C-17A Globemaster. The contingent consisted mainly of medical staff, deploying to operate a UN field hospital.
Private Manton was the movement’s liaison officer who coordinated passenger and transit arrangements, while Leading Aircraftman Andrews focused on cargo preparation and aircraft loading.
CAPTION: Australian Defence Force personnel help unload cargo from a C-17A Globemaster at Juba International Airport, South Sudan, after a strategic airlift.
Australian movement personnel also provided planning, cargo checks and coordination throughout transit, including stopovers in Seychelles, to ensure compliance with UN standards.
Leading Aircraftman Andrews said contributing to a peacekeeping operation was rewarding and reinforced why he joined Air Force.
“I’ve got the opportunity to come over here and help the Vietnamese go over there and help other people,” he said.
“I signed up not just for the opportunities, but to help other countries and people.”
They said sharing dinners with the Vietnamese was a highlight, helping build friendships and trust that strengthened cooperation during the deployment.
Private Manton said her role involved coordinating passenger movements, booking accommodation during transit stops and ensuring the Vietnamese contingent arrived on time for flights.
CAPTION: Vietnam People’s Army peacekeepers disembark from a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft at Juba International Airport, South Sudan.
“It feels good to know that I am able to help in some way, even if I’m not necessarily on the ground,” Private Manton said.
She said a challenge was the language barrier when recording details of the Vietnamese contingent’s movements.
“The Vietnamese have been really helpful translating for me so we can get the job done,” she said.
Private Manton served as a truck driver before transferring to movements, while Leading Aircraftman Andrews had other work experiences, but not peacekeeping.
On arrival in South Sudan, the ADF team was responsible for unloading cargo and ensuring the Vietnamese contingent disembarked safely.
They also supervised the handling of equipment on the ground in South Sudan before the aircraft returned via Hanoi with an outgoing contingent of peacekeepers, then home to Darwin.
UNMISS was established to protect civilians and support stability after years of conflict in South Sudan.
Australia’s deployment was part of broader support to regional partners contributing to UN peacekeeping operations.
CAPTION: Vietnam People’s Army United Nations peacekeepers prepare to take off from Juba International Airport, South Sudan, after boarding a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster for the journey home.
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