UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 251609Z MAR 20 MID110000522446U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 079/20 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// SUBJ/NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMEMORATION - VIETNAM WAR// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/DNS/MAR// RMKS/1. The U.S. Navy performed a wide array of missions during the Vietnam War. In the air, it was a key partner with the U.S. Air Force during the Rolling Thunder and Linebacker air campaigns against North Vietnam, and in other air operations in Laos and Cambodia. On the coast, it developed a highly effective blockade to prevent the resupply of enemy forces by sea, engaged in naval gunfire support missions against enemy targets in the littoral areas of Vietnam, and provided amphibious transport for Marines operating in I Corps. On the rivers, it stood up several task forces designed to protect commercial traffic, assist allied ground forces in pacifying these areas, and interdict enemy troops and supplies moving on these inland waterways. The U.S. Navy also supported the war effort with a massive sea and riverine logistics operation, built and managed shore facilities throughout South Vietnam, and provided extensive medical support for the allied military operation. More than 1.8 million Sailors served in Southeast Asia. The Navy brought to bear many unique capabilities, the most significant being the projection of U.S. naval combat power ashore and control of the seas to support a land war in Asia far from the United States. Overall, the Navy suffered the loss of 1,631 men killed and 4,178 wounded during the course of the war. 2. To ensure the sacrifices of the 9 million who served during this difficult chapter of our country's history are remembered for generations to come, President Donald Trump signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designating March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. On March 29 we will honor all those who answered our Nation's call to duty. We vow to never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our Armed Forces. With conviction, our Nation pledges our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam Veterans. 3. Mission. Meet the President's direction by honoring and recognizing Vietnam Veterans for their service to the Nation and Navy. 4. Commander's Intent a. Purpose. Commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day on 29 March 2020. b. Method. Navy-wide recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day using available Navy outreach assets to maximum extent possible keeping in mind mitigation measures in effect as a response to COVID-19. Be guided by, and supportive of, the Navy's strategic messaging. c. End State: The National Vietnam War Veterans Day commemoration becomes an institutionalized community outreach and Navy pride event for all Sailors, past and present, observed globally. 5. Tasks a. Director, Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) (1) Develop a commemoration toolkit for use by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM), Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT), Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Regional Commanders, Commanding Officers (CO), and Officers in Charge (OIC). b. COMUSFLTFORCOM; COMPACFLT; CNIC; Commander, Navy Reserve Force Command (COMNAVRESFORCOM); Commander, Naval Education and Training Command; and Commander, Naval Recruiting Command: (1) Use commemoration toolkit, disseminated by NHHC, as operationally feasible to honor the service of Vietnam War veterans. c. CHINFO. Coordinate with NHHC on fleet-wide communication and digital engagement efforts in support of Vietnam War Veterans Day. 6. Administrative a. The National Vietnam War Veterans Day commemoration toolkit is available at the NHHC website (https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic /commemorations-toolkits/Vietnam-War-Veterans-Day.html). b. Public Affairs Guidance: (1) This is an active public affairs posture event. 8. Point of contact. NHHC POC is Eric Ritter, at comm: (202) 685-1292 or via email: eric.d.ritter(AT)navy.mil. 9. Released by Mr. Andrew S. Haeuptle, Director, Navy Staff.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//