The USS George Washington aircraft carrier arrived in Danang on July 30, with three Vietnamese-American sailors describing the visit as an emotional opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
The US Navy carrier strike group entered Tien Sa Bay led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86).
The USS George Washington, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier measuring 333 metres in length, marks the fourth visit by a US aircraft carrier to Vietnam, following previous calls in 2018, 2020 and 2023.
The welcoming ceremony was hosted by the Naval Region 3 Command and attended by representatives from Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Danang Department of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies.
The US delegation included the acting head of the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Defence Attaché and officials from the US Embassy in Vietnam.
The accompanying warships berthed at Tien Sa Port, with the visit expected to last between five and seven days.
During the visit, senior officers are scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with leaders of the Danang People's Committee and the Naval Region 3 Command, while officers and crew members will participate in cultural exchanges, sporting events and community activities.
The carrier also welcomed visiting delegations from ashore, giving guests an opportunity to tour the vessel.
Among the crew was Y Van, a Vietnamese-American sailor born in the United States to Vietnamese parents. Although she speaks only limited Vietnamese, she said she was thrilled to return to her family's homeland.
Y Van recalled enjoying Vietnamese iced coffee during an earlier visit to Ho Chi Minh City and said she hoped to experience more of Vietnam during her stay.
Another sailor, Alex Nguyen, who has served in the US Navy for three and a half years and speaks Vietnamese fluently, said the visit carried special meaning because his parents were born and raised in Vietnam.
"I've really missed Vietnamese food. This time I want to enjoy pho and grilled pork with rice. I've never been to Da Nang before, so I'm very excited about this visit," Alex said.
He also welcomed the strengthening relationship between Vietnam and the United States in recent years.
"I think it's very positive for both countries. I hope Vietnam and the United States continue to understand each other better, build closer ties and become even better friends," he said.
The USS George Washington carries a crew of about 3,200 sailors, in addition to more than 2,000 personnel assigned to its embarked air wing.
Designed as a self-contained floating base, the carrier is equipped with accommodation, a hospital, kitchens, food storage facilities, repair workshops, command centres, water treatment systems and specialised technical areas to support thousands of personnel at sea.
The carrier can embark around 80 aircraft, including fighter jets, transport aircraft and airborne early warning aircraft.
Vietnamese authorities said the port call is intended to strengthen the Vietnam-United States Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development, while also demonstrating Vietnam's capability to provide logistical and technical support for visits by foreign naval vessels.
