US - Viet Nam Relations

DA NANG, Vietnam - Two major U.S. Navy vessels-the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62)-arrived in Da Nang on December 8, reaffirming the growing depth of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

U.S. Marines and equipment from USS Tripoli (LHA 7) disembark at Da Nang Port on December 8

The ships, operating with elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron 11, and Commander, Task Force 76, are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area. Their visit marks the latest in a series of high-level defense engagements between Washington and Hanoi, following the last U.S. Navy port call in June 2023 by USS Ronald Reagan, USS Antietam, and USS Robert Smalls.

A Warm Welcome Amid Strengthening Ties

Rear Admiral Tom Shultz, Commander of Task Force 76, expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s reception, describing it as “warm” and symbolic of growing trust.

“Our visit highlights the strengthening relationship between our two nations and militaries, enables us to build operational understanding and trust, and reinforces our relationship on a personal level while advancing our shared goals of peace, prosperity, and economic security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Shultz said.

Nearly 2,300 U.S. Sailors and Marines will spend the coming days participating in cultural exchanges and community activities across Da Nang, a city with deep historical significance in the bilateral relationship.

A Visit Marking Three Decades of Progress

The port call holds additional meaning this year as both nations conclude commemorations of the 30th anniversary of normalization.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper emphasized that the visit reflects unprecedented momentum in defense and humanitarian cooperation.

“The visit by USS Tripoli and USS Robert Smalls… is proof that the U.S.-Vietnam partnership has never been better,” Knapper noted.
“Da Nang holds a special place in our shared history and has shown remarkable resilience after recent typhoons. The United States has provided $1.75 million in disaster relief support, and our expanding security cooperation-especially in humanitarian assistance and disaster response-continues to strengthen people-to-people ties.”

Supporting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

Within the 7th Fleet, CTF-76 leads expeditionary warfare operations ranging from humanitarian response to full combat readiness. The ongoing collaboration with Vietnam forms part of broader regional efforts aimed at preserving peace, stability, and freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific.

As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, the 7th Fleet maintains regular engagements with allies and partners, with Vietnam increasingly seen as a key participant in regional stability frameworks.