Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc Knapper, said that the visit marked a special occasion as the two countries celebrate the 10-year anniversary of comprehensive partnership.
Rear Admiral Patrick Hannifin, commander, Task Force (CTF) 70/Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 said that they were excited to come to Vietnam and appreciate the welcome their strike group had received.
“Visits like this reinforce our partnership and commitment to confronting shared challenges in the maritime domain,” he said.
The last visit from a US 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 normalised 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 US 7th Fleet Band will perform free concerts for youth.
