US Carrier Strike Group Docks in Da Nang, Strengthening Vietnam-US Ties

With the approval of the Government of Vietnam, a fleet of US Navy vessels, including the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, and the destroyer USS Shoup, docked in Da Nang City. The visit will run from July 30 to August 5. This marks the fourth time a US aircraft carrier has made an official port call in Vietnam. The three previous visits took place in 2018, 2020, and 2023. Attending the welcoming ceremony at Tien Sa Port were representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Foreign Affairs of Da Nang City, and several Vietnamese functional agencies. Representing the US side were Melissa A. Brown, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, along with the Defense Attaché and several officials from the US Embassy in Vietnam. During their stay in Da Nang, the command leadership will pay courtesy calls to local leaders during their stay. Groups of officers and sailors will participate in various community activities in Da Nang, including cultural and sporting exchanges. This visit contributes to maintaining and developing Vietnam-US relations, aligning with the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between the two nations. The event continues to affirm Vietnam’s logistical and technical support capabilities in hosting foreign military vessels. It is also an opportunity to promote and elevate the image of the country and people of Vietnam on the international stage. US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Melissa A. Brown delivers a speech at Tien Sa Port on the afternoon of July 30. Photo: Nguyen Khanh US Navy Rear Admiral Eric J. Anduze, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70, speaks at the welcoming ceremony. Photo: Nguyen Khanh The US aircraft carrier fleet is anchored in Tien Sa Bay, Da Nang City. Photo: Nguyen Khanh Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper