A ceremony marking the transfer of remains believed to be those of US servicemen killed during the war in Vietnam took place at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on December 1.

Attending the repatriation ceremony were US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak, representatives from the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).

After signing the minutes, Vietnamese government representatives handed over to US representatives four caskets containing remains and personal effects, which had either been found during the recently concluded 97th Joint Field Activity, or turned in by Vietnamese citizens.

Forensic scientists from both nations examined the remains in Hanoi, determining they were likely to be American MIAs and suggesting their repatriation to Hawaii, the US, for further examination.

This was the 112th repatriation to the US since 1973.

Speaking at the ceremony, the US government representatives thanked the Vietnamese government and people, and spoke highly of their humanitarian policies, good will and effective cooperation./.