The group includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5. USS Robert Smalls and USS Shoup also joined the visit.
Robert Smalls is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser. Shoup is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
The port call follows several recent U.S. Navy engagements with Vietnam. These included visits by the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in 2025 and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in 2023.
The United States and Vietnam established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. The Navy said the latest visit reflects expanding bilateral defense cooperation and closer public engagement.
“This visit by the USS George Washington, USS Robert Smalls, and USS Shoup comes as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary,” said U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks. “As we mark 250 years of American independence, we are proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our friends in Vietnam.”
U.S. Navy leaders will meet Vietnamese civilian and military officials during the visit. Sailors will also join cultural exchanges, sporting activities and community service projects.
“While our ship represents the high-end capabilities of the U.S. Navy, our visit here to Vietnam supports a U.S.-Vietnam relationship that continues to grow stronger across an increasingly broad range of subjects, reflecting our shared interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of George Washington. “Our Sailors are excited to step ashore, learn about Vietnam’s rich culture, and work side-by-side with the community here in Da Nang.”
George Washington serves as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5. It is also the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier.
The strike group is operating within the U.S. 7th Fleet area. The fleet routinely operates with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific.
