US Carrier George Washington Visits Da Nang, Bolstering Bilateral Ties

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), and USS Shoup (DDG 86) arrived in Vietnam's central city of Da Nang for a scheduled port visit on July 30. They will remain in Vietnam until Aug. 5 as part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. In this photo, cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the aircraft carrier USS George Washington sail near the coast of Da Nang. Photo by Giang Huy U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander of CSG-5 and Task Force 70, is welcomed by representatives of the Naval Region 3 Command, Military Region 5 and the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs during a ceremony held at Tien Sa Port on the afternoon of July 30. “We could not have asked for a warmer welcome from our Vietnamese partners,” he said. “Our visit highlights the deepening relationship between our two nations and militaries, enables us to build operational understanding and trust, and reinforces our relationship on a personal level while advancing our shared goals of peace, prosperity, and economic security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.” An officer introduces the vessel to visitors. Standing beside him were three young U.S. Navy officers of Vietnamese descent, including sailor Y Van (L), whose Vietnamese name is Thy Van. Her mother is from Da Nang and her father from the nearby Khanh Hoa Province. The USS George Washington carries a crew of about 5,000 personnel, including roughly 3,000 sailors responsible for ship operations, engineering, combat and logistics, and another 2,000 assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. Visitors were shown the aircraft hangar, where maintenance, repair and engine servicing are carried out for aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5. "As we mark 250 years of American independence, we are proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our friends in Vietnam," said U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks regarding the aircraft carrier's port call in Da Nang. "We thank Da Nang City and its people for welcoming the 4th U.S. aircraft carrier to its port. Following the recent successful Pacific Partnership and Pacific Friendship in Quang Tri Province, and the visit of Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, this port call is yet another testament to our strengthened U.S.-Vietnam defense cooperation and enhanced people-to-people ties under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," she said, as quoted in a statement released by the U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City Auxiliary fuel tanks for aircraft were displayed in the maintenance bay. Each tank holds more than 1,800 liters of jet fuel, with one equipped for aerial refueling operations. The hangar is divided into three sections, with the third dedicated entirely to aircraft engine maintenance and repair. On the flight deck, the carrier showcases a range of advanced aircraft. As the centerpiece of a carrier strike group, the vessel operates alongside these aircraft to project power and help maintain regional security in the South China Sea, which Vietnam calls the East Sea. On the flight deck, F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft were lined up for operations. It takes approximately five minutes for each aircraft to move into position and launch. On the flight deck, the carrier showcases a range of advanced aircraft. As the centerpiece of a carrier strike group, the vessel operates alongside these aircraft to project power and help maintain regional security in the South China Sea. F-35 stealth fighter jets lined up on the aircraft carrier's flight deck. The USS George Washington is equipped with four steam catapults capable of accelerating a fighter aircraft weighing more than 20 tons from zero to 300 kph in just two seconds. In addition to its fighter squadron, the carrier operates anti-submarine helicopters. Under ideal conditions, a Nimitz-class vessel like the USS George Washington can launch an aircraft every 37 to 45 seconds, sustaining approximately 120 sorties a day during normal operations. The ship's island, or command tower, serves as the central hub for navigation, combat operations and air traffic control. Visitors also toured areas showcasing the carrier's operating systems, including the anchor chain compartment. The vessel's anchor chain stretches approximately 400 meters, with each anchor weighing around 30 tons. During the week-long stay, crew members will go ashore in rotation to explore Da Nang, participating in cultural exchange activities and public performances for residents and visitors. While sailors noted their favorite meal on board is the Wednesday cheeseburger, the local dish they are most eager to try in Da Nang is pho, Vietnam's iconic noodle soup.