Delegates from the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf pose for a group photo aboard Ship CSB 8001 during their exchange with Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in HCM City on November 2. — Photos Courtesy of the Việt Nam Coast Guard

HCM CITY — Officers and crew members of the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf participated in an exchange programme and sports friendly with the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command on Monday, as part of their five-day goodwill visit to HCM City.

During the echange, the delegation from the USCGC Bertholf visited and shared operational experiences with officers and soldiers of Ship CSB 8001 of Naval Squadron 301 under the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command.

Following the exchange, the two units organised a friendly football match, which took place in a warm, solidarity-filled, and amicable atmosphere.

The sports exchange not only helped promote physical fitness and enhance the cultural and spiritual lives of both sides' personnel, but also served as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen friendship, and bolster bilateral cooperation between the Việt Nam Coast Guard and the US Coast Guard.

The delegation from the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf visits Ship CSB 8001 of Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in HCM City on November 2.

At the end of the match, representatives from both sides presented each other with meaningful souvenirs.

Earlier, with the approval of Việt Nam’s Ministry of National Defence, the USCGC Bertholf, commanded by Captain Andrew Pate, arrived at Saigon Gateway Port in the city on November 1, carrying 175 officers and crew members.

A formal welcoming ceremony was held on Sunday, attended by Colonel Nguyễn Đức Hiếu, Deputy Commander for Legal Affairs of the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command, US Ambassador to Việt Nam Jennifer Wicks, Acting US Consul General in HCM City Arati Shroff, and representatives from local authorities and military commands.

Officers and crew members of the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf and Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command engage in a friendly football match in HCM City on November 2.

Speaking at the ceremony, Colonel Nguyễn Đức Hiếu described the visit as a meaningful activity to enhance mutual trust and deepen bilateral maritime law enforcement cooperation in a substantive manner.

Ambassador Wicks said the USCGC Bertholf is the first US military vessel to visit HCM City in over 20 years, underscoring the multifaceted partnership between the two nations across trade, healthcare, defence, and security.

Both countries share common interests in freedom of navigation and overflight, working closely together to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, Captain Pate said.

Football teams from the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf and Coast Guard Region 3 Command pose for a commemorative photo following their friendly match in HCM City on November 2.

For the remainder of the visit's itinerary, the two forces will conduct professional exchanges on maritime operations, hold joint training exercises at sea, and participate in diplomatic engagements.

The command and crew of USCGC Bertholf will also visit historical landmarks and scenic attractions across the city. — VNS