In addition to the oldest operational ship of that naval force, which traveled to Vietnam for the second time since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1995, the Coast Guard cutter Waesche also arrived in that central Vietnamese province on Monday.

Chiefs of the Naval Region 4 and Coast Guard Region 3 of the People’s Navy of Vietnam, along with representatives of the province and other Vietnamese agencies, welcomed the visiting crews.

On Monday, the commander of the 7th Fleet and senior commanders of the vessels paid a courtesy call on the leaders of the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee during which the vice chairman of that body, Le Huu Hoang, stressed the importance of the event.

Huu Hoang expressed confidence that this visit will further promote the Vietnam-US friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership, VNA news agency reported.

US Ambassador Marc Knapper, in turn, recalled that Khanh Hoa has organized various events to contribute to the development of relations between the two countries and promised that in the future the United States will help it attract investments, especially in the fields of high technology and tourism.

During their stay in Vietnam, the chiefs of the Seventh Fleet, the USS Blue Ridge and the CGC Waesche will meet with leaders of the People’s Navy and Coast Guard of Vietnam, while crews will participate in professional experience exchanges, community activities and sporting events.

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