The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam, for a scheduled port call, marking the third visit of a US aircraft carrier to the country since 2018.
Following the USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) visit in 2020, the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) made its inaugural visit to Vietnam since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, on June 25.
Strained diplomatic relations between the two countries were mainly the result of the Vietnam War and a trade embargo the US applied. However, since the 1990s, both countries continuously make efforts to normalize their relationship.
The visit of CVN 71, the only forward-deployed aircraft carrier of the US Navy, also included 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 Da Nang and experience Vietnamese culture,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer.
“A few Reagan sailors call Vietnam home. But for most, it will be their first time visiting. In addition, some of the crew will volunteer at several community relations events, play sports with local athletes, and participate in a unique culinary exchange.”
In 2021 the ship completed a five-month deployment, during which it stayed three months in the Middle East, supporting operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Allies Refuge. It also operated in the South China Sea twice during that deployment.
Last year, USS Ronald Reagan completed another seven-month carrier strike group deployment in Asia Pacific. During this mission, the ship actively engaged in maritime security operations, encompassing flight operations involving fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training among surface and air units.
