"This visit marks a special occasion as our countries celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership, showcasing our shared commitment to a prosperous and secure future," said U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper.
This routine port call highlights the shared commitment to strong U.S.–Vietnam relations.
The USS Ronald Reagan arrived with two escort ships, the guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam and USS Robert Smalls.
At 2 p.m., representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Command of the 3rd Navy region, the 5th Military region, and the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed the strike group at Tien Sa Port.
"We’re excited to come to Vietnam and appreciate the welcome our strike group has received," said Rear Admiral Patrick Hannifin, commander of Task Force 70/Carrier Strike Group 5. "Visits like this reinforce our partnership and commitment to confronting shared challenges in the maritime domain."
In addition to cultural and professional exchanges, community service projects, sports competitions and receptions, Navy musicians from the U.S. 7th Fleet Band will perform free concerts.
The Ronald Reagan CSG is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners all over the world.