On the evening of October 29, at Noi Bai International Airport, leaders from the Standing Office of the Ministry of Public Security for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKO) welcomed two members of Task Force No. 5, namely Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Doan and Captain Tran My Linh, who had completed their mission at the UNMISS Mission (Republic of South Sudan) and returned to Vietnam.
Family members and colleagues of the two officers were also present at the airport. The anticipation in their eyes, heartfelt handshakes, and the joy of reunion after a long separation created a warm and emotional welcome.
At the airport lobby, Senior Colonel Le Quoc Huy, a leader of the Standing Office of the Ministry of Public Security for UN PKO, presented bouquets of fresh flowers to Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Doan and Captain Tran My Linh.
“Task Force No. 5 has fulfilled the UN peacekeeping mission entrusted by the Party, the State, and the Ministry of Public Security. Under the close guidance of the Standing Office, you have excelled in your duties, received the UN Peacekeeping Medal, and had your mission extended by six months. Your achievements have clearly reflected the foreign policy of the Party and State, contributing to building a peaceful environment for reconstruction and development in the region and the world,” affirmed Senior Colonel Le Quoc Huy.
On April 28, 2025, Task Force No. 5 officially deployed to the UNMISS Mission. Over the past 18 months, they have made significant contributions to international peacekeeping, to the people of South Sudan, to the homeland, and to the People's Public Security Forces.
Proudly wearing the peacekeeping uniform and blue beret upon returning home, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Doan shared emotionally: “After 18 months at the mission, returning home safely, I am proud to have contributed to UN peacekeeping activities and to have helped strengthen Vietnam’s image at the mission. I believe that, with the close direction of the Standing Office and the efforts of each officer, the peacekeeping activities of the People's Public Security Forces will achieve even greater success.”
In the moment of reunion, Nguyen Dang Hong Ngoc, wife of Lieutenant Colonel Doan, could not hide her joy as she watched their two children cling to their father. She shared that she had been unable to sleep for several nights before, anxiously longing for her husband and his colleagues’ return.
“I am very happy that he and his team have completed their mission and returned safely. While he was away on duty at the mission, our whole family worked together to support each other. Our children always tried their best in their study and daily routines, following their father’s example of overcoming all difficulties to fulfill his duties,” Mrs. Ngoc said emotionally.
Reuniting with family and colleagues after months apart, Captain Tran My Linh expressed: “We gave our all at the UNMISS Mission. Upon completing our mission and returning home, being welcomed by leaders, colleagues, and loved ones in such a solemn and warm atmosphere is a tremendous encouragement for our team.”
Mr. Tran Van Truong and his family traveled from Ninh Binh to Noi Bai Airport early to welcome his daughter, Tran My Linh. He spoke proudly of his daughter: “As a serviceman, I always encouraged my daughter to be strong and overcome all difficulties and challenges to fulfill her peacekeeping mission. I am proud of my daughter’s strength, enthusiasm, and her contributions to the global peacekeeping mission.”
Behind their return are stories of sacrifice, effort and a noble international spirit. Both officers served as individual deployees, quickly adapting to new working conditions and environments, closely coordinating with international colleagues, and demonstrating qualities, capabilities, and professional expertise, which were highly valued by the mission’s police leadership and the host country.
During his time at the UNMISS Mission, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Doan utilized his spare time to research and develop a series of highly useful software applications. These included an automated patrol scheduling system, software for tracking, managing, and approving leave requests, an attendance system, a job position database, and a comprehensive information management and decision-support system.
These software solutions have now been developed, refined, and implemented throughout the mission, significantly improving the management, administration, and operations of the mission’s police force. For his contributions, Lieutenant Colonel Doan was twice commended and awarded letters of appreciation by the Mission Police Commander.
As the first female police officer from Viet Nam to participate in peacekeeping as an individual deployee, Captain Linh made a strong impression in her role as a specialist in gender, child, and vulnerable group protection at the UNMISS Police Headquarters. She and her colleagues initiated and directly implemented the “Female Patrol Team” model. As acting patrol team leader, she devoted much effort and many ideas to this meaningful initiative.
The presence of female police officers wearing the UN insignia brought a new approach to engaging with crime hotspots, refugee camps and rural villages, offering understanding, empathy, and attentive listening as women. The model was highly praised by the mission’s police leadership and is now being expanded to all regional headquarters with monthly patrols.
Not only did they excel in their professional duties, but the two officers also served as “peace ambassadors,” promoting the image of friendly, peace-loving Vietnamese people.
As their mission concludes, the two Vietnamese police officers will continue to leverage their skills, expertise, and experience gained at the UNMISS Mission to contribute to the training, development and deployment of the Ministry of Public Security’s UN peacekeeping forces in the future.
