Two Ingalls-built ships, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Dec. 8, for the first Navy visit to the city in two years. The visit highlights the strengthening relationship between nations and the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to stability and cooperation in the region.
Why It Matters
This visit supports the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the United States and Vietnam. The relationship spans political, security, economic and people-to-people ties, and this port call plays an important part in marking the 30th anniversary of U.S.–Vietnam relations. For Ingalls shipbuilders, it is another reminder that the ships we build help strengthen key alliances around the world.
What’s Happening
During their time in Da Nang, the nearly 2,300 Sailors and Marines aboard will take part in community engagements, meet with local leaders and experience the culture of the region.
What’s Being Said
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Rear Adm. Tom Shultz, Commander, Task Force 76: “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.”
For Context
The last U.S. Navy ship visit to Da Nang was in June 2023 by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and two Ticonderoga-class cruisers, including the Ingalls-built USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Robert Smalls (CG 62).
The Ingalls Impact
Every port call like this puts our work on the world stage. These two ships carry our craftsmanship and our purpose into a region where partnership and presence matter. Our shipbuilders make these moments possible.