U.S. aircraft carrier strike group makes Vietnam port call

Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, joined the activities of the strike group during the port call.

The port call is one of the activities in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-U.S. relationship (July 12, 1995 – 2020).

On behalf of the leadership of Da Nang city, Vice Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee Ho Ky Minh hosted the welcoming ceremony and was joined by representatives of Naval Region 3, Military Region 5, the Border Guard Command of Da Nang, the Military Medical Department and the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of National Defense, the Department of External Affairs of Da Nang city, and other relevant agencies. The U.S. side included the U.S. Ambassador, the U.S. Defense Attaché to Vietnam, and a number of officials from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.

At the welcome ceremony

After the welcoming ceremony, Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh and Admiral John C. Aquilino co-chaired a press briefing introducing activities of the strike group in Da Nang.

Accordingly, during the time in Da Nang city, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and commanding officers of the ships in the strike group will pay courtesy calls on the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang city and the Vietnam People’s Navy Command. The U.S. naval troops will join community activities such as art performances, friendly sport exchanges, and exchanges of professional expertise related to disasters, especially in dealing with the Covid-19 epidemic.

Delegates of the two sides in a joint photo

The port call is a practical contribution to boosting the bilateral relationship in line with the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Partnership. It also demonstrates Vietnam’s ability to ensure logistic, technical, and medical services for foreign naval ships. Additionally, it helps strengthen the role and position of Vietnam in the region and the world and promotes its image in the international arena.