The US 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge, the guided missile destroyer USS Chafee and rescue and salvage ship USNS Safeguard made their berth at Tien Sa port in the central city of Da Nang on April 23 afternoon, beginning a five-day naval exchange between the two nations.

The US 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge pictured at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang central city on April 23, 2012., Photo: Tuoi Tre

As many as 1,891 officers and crewmen onboard the ships were warmly received by local naval officers and David Shear, a representative of the US embassy.

Admiral Scott H. Swift, commander of The US 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge, said the trip aims to develop naval exchanges between the two countries. The US Fleet paid its first visit to Vietnam in 2004.

The trip will focus on skills exchanges such as navigation and maintenance, search and rescue activities, and marine medicine.

The US commander expressed high appreciation for local naval forces and emphasized that Vietnam and other countries in the region should have regular naval exchanges.

According to a source, the US naval forces will also take part in other events like offering a courtesy call to Da Nang City’s leaders and play football and basketball with local students and naval soldiers.

The US 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge pictured at Tien Sa Port. Photo by Dang Nam.

Source: Tuoi Tre