A United States Navy littoral combat ship has docked at an international seaport in the south-central Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa, commencing a series of exchanges between the two nations’ naval forces.
The Independence-class vessel USS Coronado (LCS-4) arrived at the Cam Ranh International Port, located in the namesake city in Khanh Hoa, on Wednesday morning.
Captained by Alexis T. Walker, commander of the Destroyer Squadron 7, the ship and its crew of 130 naval officers are scheduled to visit Vietnam from July 6 to 11.
During their stay in Cam Ranh, the Vietnamese and United States navies will exchange knowledge and experience during a series of search and rescue exercises, emergency drills, and sports competitions.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Liem, deputy chief of staff of the 4th Regional Command under the Vietnam People’s Navy, considered the visit an opportunity to boost cooperation between the two naval forces.
A delegation of Vietnamese naval officials was then invited to tour the inside of the US ship.
According to Douglas K. Meagher, commander of the USS Coronado, it is the U.S.’s fourth littoral combat ship and second Independence-class vessel.
Costing some US$400 million, the ship weighs 2,790 metric tons, measures 127 meters long and 30.5 meters wide, and is capable of reaching a maximum velocity of 40 nautical miles per hour.
It is a modern and versatile ship with a missile system, 30 mm guns, one chopper and two unmanned aerial vehicles.
The vessel is also equipped with several rigid-hulled inflatable boats to facilitate a swift attack or emergency rescue missions.
Vietnamese naval officers welcome the delegation from the USS Coronado. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Alexis T. Walker (R), commander of the Destroyer Squadron 7, greets the Vietnamese officials. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Douglas K. Meagher, commander of the USS Coronado introduces the ship to the Vietnamese delegation. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Activities inside the USS Coronado. Photo: Tuoi Tre
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