STATEMENT OF SECRETARY RUMSFELD ON ACCIDENT IN VIETNAM

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld today released the following

statement:

"Americans are saddened by today's tragic loss of life of both U.S. and Vietnamese service personnel in the

Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Those of us in the Department of Defense, and the families of our missing, are

keenly aware of the dedication of both the American and Vietnamese team members who were, on this very

day, searching for servicemen who have been missing in action since the end of the war.

"Since 1985, American teams, with the full support of their Vietnamese counterparts, have conducted investigations

and excavations in that country. As a result of this sustained cooperation, we have recovered and identified the

remains of more than 600 Americans and continue to search for those still missing in Southeast Asia. Led by the

Joint Task Force-Full Accounting and the U.S. Army's Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii, this recovery work

is truly a noble calling.

"These joint teams have maintained a truly remarkable safety record, particularly given the dangerous and difficult

terrain in which they work. Today's tragedy represents the first loss of life either side has suffered in the 65 joint field

activities that have been completed in Vietnam. To the families of those whose loved ones have yet to be accounted-for,

be assured that our mission will continue, even in the face of this tragedy. Our hearts go to the families and friends of

those who today made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out this humanitarian mission. They gave their lives so that

others might come home. May God bless and be with them."

Submitted,

YNCS Don Harribine, USN(Ret)