Aircraft Carrier Named After America’s First President Arrives in Vietnam

The vessel spent nearly two months traveling from Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan. It traversed eastern Pacific waters before entering Vietnamese territorial waters.

This journey represents the first official port call of the carrier to Vietnam. Back in 2010, the ship became the first US aircraft carrier since 1995 to host Vietnamese officials in international waters. Later, in 2011 and 2012, the USS George Washington welcomed other Vietnamese delegations offshore.

The USS George Washington belongs to the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered fleet of the US Navy. It honors the first American president as its namesake. Currently, it serves as the only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the US Navy, maintaining its home port in Yokosuka, Japan.

During this trip, the leadership and crew will participate in local community events. The carrier will also welcome numerous visitors for guided tours.

This event marks the fourth visit of a US aircraft carrier to Vietnam since bilateral normalization in 1995. Previously, the USS Carl Vinson arrived in Da Nang in 2018. The USS Theodore Roosevelt followed in 2020, and the USS Ronald Reagan visited in 2023.

Pictured above, the USS George Washington anchors near Tien Sa Port. The guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls escorts the vessel. Photo: Nguyen Khanh

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington enters Da Nang Bay, viewed from the summit of Son Tra Mountain. Photo: Thai Ba Dung

Maintaining the Pace of Defense and Security Cooperation

These successive naval visits highlight the deep evolution of bilateral ties. Both nations have moved past wartime consequences to build trust. Now, they expand cooperation across economic, educational, healthcare, technological, and defense sectors.

Da Nang frequently hosts international naval diplomacy. The arrival of a US aircraft carrier highlights a notable military and diplomatic event. Furthermore, it reflects how Vietnam manages major power relations. The nation stays open and confident while protecting its independent principles.

Observers closely track US aircraft carrier visits both domestically and internationally. The arrival of the USS George Washington follows a working trip by acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao in June 2026.

Recently in the Philippines, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both officials agreed to sustain defense cooperation. This partnership matches each country’s practical needs and strategic desires. Furthermore, both sides prioritize implementing recent agreements between defense officials.

These engagements prove that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework operates smoothly. Established in 2023, this partnership deepens defense cooperation step by step.

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrives in Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Vu Truong

Vietnam’s “Four Noes” Defense Policy and Balanced Diplomacy

Vietnam relies on the “Four Noes” defense policy as its strategic foundation. The 2019 National Defense White Paper outlines these four principles. First, Vietnam rejects military alliances. Second, the nation refuses to align with one country against another. Third, Vietnam forbids foreign military bases or hostile use of its territory. Fourth, the country bans the use or threat of force in international relations.

In practice, Vietnam welcomes a US carrier while maintaining robust defense ties globally. The nation regularly partners with Russia, India, Japan, China, and other nations.

Just before this visit, Vietnam welcomed a Russian naval flotilla at Cam Ranh International Port. The fleet included a Kilo-class submarine identical to those in the Vietnam People’s Navy.

Earlier, in July 2026, a Chinese naval flotilla visited Ho Chi Minh City. The fleet featured the training ship Qijiguang and the landing ship Kunlunshan. The city also hosted the Indian stealth frigate INS Udaygiri and anti-submarine corvette Kavaratti in June 2026.

In April 2026, the Japanese destroyer JS Asahi docked at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang. The crew joined local friendship exchange programs.

These frequent visits deliver a clear message. Vietnam cooperates with all nations to ensure peace and stability. At the same time, the country avoids entering geopolitical confrontations.

Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper