Guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald and the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth docked today at the central citys Tien Sa Port.
The guided-missile destroyer, USS Fitzgerald and the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth begin a five-day Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) between the US Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy in Da Nang city. — VNS Photos Cong Thanh
The ships will participate in a five-day naval engagement activity (NEA) between the United States Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy.
The event, which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Vietam and the United States, will focus on non-combatant activities and skills exchanges in military medicine, search and rescue and maritime security, with the participation of the USS Fitzgerald and the USS Fort Worth.
Vietnamese-American Le Ba Hung, deputy commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, who is in charge of these ships, said, “Its great to be back in Vietnam, and were very much looking forward to working with our Vietnamese Navy counterparts over the next five days.”
“There are many highlights in this weeks engagement. One of the most significant activities will be the opportunity to get the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea exchanges (CUES) under way, which will help both navies prevent miscommunication at sea and foster mutual understanding,” he said.
Hung said he visited Danang in 2009, when he commanded the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen.
The central citys peoples committee also hosted a welcome meeting at the citys administrative centre yesterday.
Other United States Navy units participating in NEA include personnel from Commander Task Force 73 (CTF73), DESRON7, Undersea Rescue Activity San Diego and Explosive Ordnance disposal mobile unit, besides the United States 7thFleet band Orient Express.
Subject matter expert exchanges will focus on maritime domain awareness, shipboard damage control and submarine rescue, band concerts and community service and sports.
A brief at-sea phase will allow ships from both navies to practice CUES, search and rescue techniques and ship handling. These naval activities underscore the deepening relationship between the United States and Vietam.
The NEA evolved from an annual port visit to Danang by United States Navy ships more than a decade ago.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
