The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group docked off the waters of Đà Nẵng City on June 25, 2023. — Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Việt Nam

ĐÀ NẴNG — The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) departed from the central city of Đà Nẵng, Việt Nam, on Friday, completing a visit that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the two countries’ Comprehensive Partnership, according to the announcement from the US Embassy.

The port call marked the third visit of a US aircraft carrier to Việt Nam since 2018.

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) along with the guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) departed following a five-day port call. The strike group will continue a regularly scheduled deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Ship visits are a routine part of key cooperation among partners,” said Rear Adm. Pat Hannifin, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70/Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5.

“In Đà Nẵng, sailors engaged in both cultural exchanges and community projects and through these shared experiences, strengthened the bond between our people. US-Việt Nam defence cooperation is critical to upholding the rules-based maritime order. By working together we protect sovereignty, enhance domain awareness, improve humanitarian efforts, and uphold common values and interest in a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region.”

US sailors during the visit have participated in cultural and professional exchanges during community service events, sports competitions, ship tours and a formal reception aboard the aircraft carrier. Additionally, Navy musicians from the U.S. 7th Fleet Band performed free public concerts around the city.

“The culinary exchange was an amazing opportunity, and I really enjoyed myself,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Rechele Crawford. “They were all really friendly people, and I hope we left a good impression. I think that food really binds people together, and breaking bread with them, eating their cuisine, and teaching them the history of the chocolate chip cookie helped bring our countries together. I hope that the event worked towards building a stronger relationship with Việt Nam.”

The exchange between US sailors and students of the University of Foreign Language Studies in Đà Nẵng. — Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Việt Nam

The three CSG ships hosted more than 1,000 guests for tours, professional exchanges, and a formal reception onboard the carrier attended by the US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc E. Knapper, as well as the Vice Chairman of the Đà Nẵng People’s Committee Hồ Kỳ Minh.

“I can't think of a better way than to have this carrier strike group here this week to represent our shared values of promoting a strong, independent, prosperous and resilient Việt Nam,” Ambassador Knapper remarked.— VNS