What 'toys' did President Trump bring to Vietnam?

The US president's visits to other countries always place very high and special demands on the host government.

US President Donald Trump steps out of the Marine One helicopter, preparing to board Air Force One to begin a tour of a series of Asian countries - Photo: REUTERS

C-17 Globemaster III - the super transport aircraft of the US Air Force, is sometimes likened to a messenger, a forerunner for visits of the US president.

Since its introduction in 1995, the C-17 has been responsible for transporting all the equipment needed for a US president's overseas trip. The total weight of this equipment can reach hundreds of tons, including the Marine One helicopter and specialized vehicles, special vehicles to protect the president.

The appearance of C-17s in countries that are not US military partners is often a sign of the upcoming presence of the head of the White House.

Plane within a plane

Super transport plane C-17 - Photo: REUTERS

On October 30, 2017, the first C-17 flights landed at Noi Bai airport, carrying logistical equipment in preparation for US President Donald Trump's official visit to Vietnam.

The US leader will attend the 2017 APEC Summit in Da Nang and make his first official visit to Vietnam during his term in Hanoi.

More C-17s will arrive in Vietnam in the coming days to bring in the necessary equipment. Cadillac One and Marine One helicopters are among the must-haves.

Super transport plane C-17 - Photo: REUTERS

It is still unclear which type of Marine One will be used to serve Mr. Trump during his stay in Vietnam. Marine One helicopters include VH-3D or VH-60N helicopters belonging to Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1).

Whether the US president uses Marine One depends on the schedule and location of the activities. But these planes are required for all foreign trips of the US leader.

President Trump used Marine One VH-60 to visit the old city of Jerusalem in the middle of this year during his trip to Israel.

To get Marine One onto the C-17, the wings and some parts had to be removed. After being brought to safety by the C-17, the wings were reassembled and flight tests were conducted - NBC screenshot

In 2016, before President Barack Obama's visit to Vietnam, many C-17s, each carrying dozens of tons of cargo, landed at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi.

With operating schedules in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City at that time, the rotation of equipment continued to be assigned to the C-17 squadron.

Last year, the US used three planes for Mr. Obama's visit: Air Force One carrying the President, a plane carrying the US Secretary of State, and another plane.

The two Marine Ones sent to Vietnam did not take off at all during Obama's stay in Vietnam.

How will Mr. Trump's plane be received?

Five minutes before the US President's convoy lands, a runway will be opened just for the use of the aircraft. All aircraft and specialized vehicles on the airport will be temporarily suspended. This is a general rule to ensure service for the aircraft.

Only after the last aircraft in the convoy leaves the runway and taxis onto the taxiway and parking area will the runway reopen for commercial aircraft operations.

Commercial flights are not allowed to use the taxiways connecting the runway to the parking area. Only when the private aircraft has taxied into the parking area will the taxiway be opened for commercial aircraft use.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, air traffic controllers selected to serve charter flights must have at least 3 years of continuous experience in operating flight operations at air traffic service facilities, have not committed any violations that threaten flight safety in the 12 months prior to taking up the assignment, and must have professional qualifications and experience in handling unexpected situations when operating flights.

In 2016, when the plane carrying President Obama arrived in Vietnam, the flight operations were entirely under the responsibility of Vietnam. The US side at that time only participated in monitoring.

The fueling vehicles for the plane were then checked, sealed and "confined" by US security until Air Force One carrying the US President landed safely at Noi Bai International Airport.

The parking location of the plane was protected and isolated. At that time, Da Nang International Airport was chosen as a backup airport for Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports in case of emergency for the US plane to land.

According to Kienthuc.net.vn