On the evening of 8/12, the US Navy's amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) entered Da Nang waters. The guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62) had arrived at Tien Sa Port earlier that afternoon. The USS Robert Smalls previously visited Da Nang in 6/2023 while escorting the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

The welcoming ceremony took place at 18:20 at Tien Sa Port. Vietnamese representatives included officials from the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs, Naval Region 3 Command, the City Military Command, Border Guard, and Military Region 5 Command. The US delegation included Rear Admiral Tom Shultz, Commander of Task Force 76, for which the USS Tripoli serves as the command ship, and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper.

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) enters Tien Sa Port area, Da Nang city, at 17:00 on 8/12. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Rear Admiral Tom Shultz expressed appreciation for Vietnam's welcome, viewing the visit as a milestone reflecting the continued development of defense relations between the two countries. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper noted that the event concludes a series of activities celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations. The US has provided 1.75 million USD in disaster relief to Da Nang and will continue to expand security and humanitarian cooperation with Vietnam.

According to the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs, during the ship's stay, commanding officers will pay courtesy calls to city leaders, Military Region 5, and Naval Region 3. They will also engage in professional exchanges and sports activities with the Vietnam Navy, interact with children at the Village of Hope, students from the University of Foreign Languages (Da Nang University), and visit local cultural and tourist sites.

The USS Tripoli's primary mission is to support the deployment of marine forces from sea to shore and provide air combat support with F-35B fighter jets. The ship is designed to integrate the entire US Marine Corps air combat element, carrying F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, a 5th-generation stealth fighter variant capable of vertical or short runway takeoffs and landings. This visit includes units from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron 11, and Task Force 76 Command.

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) moves into Da Nang waters, between Son Tra island and the Hai Van mountain range. Photo: Nguyen Dong

A Da Nang fishing boat moves parallel to the USS Tripoli (LHA-7). Photo: Nguyen Dong

Fighter jets on the aft deck of the USS Tripoli (LHA-7), while the forward deck holds more aircraft. Photo: Nguyen Dong

The USS Tripoli is the US's second America-class amphibious assault ship. It is 257 meters long, 32 meters wide, has a displacement of nearly 45,000 tons, and a maximum speed exceeding 20 knots. The ship features a full flight deck, an expanded hangar, and can carry up to 38 aircraft, including F-35Bs, MV-22B Ospreys, and numerous helicopters, along with approximately 1,800 marines. About 2,300 US sailors and marines are participating in this visit.

Currently, the USS Tripoli is anchored about one nautical mile from Tien Sa Port. From the Son Tra peninsula, many F-35B fighter jets parked on the deck are clearly visible, despite foggy and rainy weather.

Captain Stephen J. Henz, commanding officer of the USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper greet Vietnamese representatives at the welcoming ceremony. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Vietnamese and US representatives pose for a souvenir photo in front of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62) at Tien Sa Port. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Da Nang has previously hosted three visits by US aircraft carriers: the USS Carl Vinson in 2018, the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 2022, and the USS Ronald Reagan in 2023.

Nguyen Dong