DANANG, June 25, 2023 – The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 5 (CSG 5), arrived in Danang, Vietnam, for a scheduled port call June 25, marking the third time a U.S. aircraft carrier has visited the country since 2018.
“We are honored to receive the USS Ronald Reagan and CSG 5 in cooperation with our Vietnamese partners. 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.
“We’re excited to come to Vietnam and appreciate the welcome our strike group has received,” said Rear Admiral Patrick Hannifin, commander, Task Force (CTF) 70/Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. “Visits like this reinforce our partnership and commitment to confronting shared challenges in the maritime domain.”
The last visit from a U.S. aircraft carrier to Vietnam was the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in 2020. This marks the USS Ronald Reagan’s first visit to the country since diplomatic relations were normalized in 1995. The USS Ronald Reagan arrived with two escort ships, the guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Robert Smalls (CG 62).
“More than 5,000 sailors aboard USS Ronald Reagan are eager to visit Danang and experience Vietnamese culture,” said Captain Daryle Cardone, USS Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “The entire crew and I are grateful for this opportunity as well as the hospitality of the Vietnamese.”
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 for youth.
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 United States’ 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners all over the world.
For photos of the event, please visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAJJfV