By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
In a move that is being closely watched by regional observers, the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche have arrived in Cam Ranh, Vietnam, for a five-day joint Navy-Coast Guard routine port visit. This deployment marks the second time the USS Blue Ridge has visited Vietnam since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 1995.
The USS Blue Ridge, as the oldest operational ship in the Navy, is a symbol of U.S. commitment to the region. Its presence in Cam Ranh Bay, a strategic naval base in central Vietnam, sends a clear message to allies and adversaries alike about the United States’ enduring interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. During the port visit, leadership from the 7th Fleet, USS Blue Ridge, and CGC Waesche will engage in high-level talks with their counterparts from the Vietnam People’s Navy, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Khanh Hoa provincial leadership. These discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation, sharing best practices, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
The visit will also feature subject matter expert exchanges, where U.S. and Vietnamese personnel will share knowledge and expertise on various topics, including maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, crew members and 7th Fleet staff will participate in community relations and cultural events, aimed at fostering greater understanding and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The timing of this visit is noteworthy, given the current geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. The presence of a U.S. Navy flagship and a Coast Guard cutter in Cam Ranh Bay may be seen as a signal to China, which has been increasingly assertive in its territorial claims in the region. While the U.S. Navy has not explicitly stated that this visit is a response to Chinese actions, it is clear that the deployment is aimed at demonstrating U.S. capability and commitment to regional security.
Around this time last month, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche also visited the Republic of Korea and engaged in activities that strengthened relationships with Pacific allies. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche departed from Pohang, the Republic of Korea, on June 11 after visits with the Korea Coast Guard, U.S. Consul General Nolan Barkhouse, and Republic of Korea dignitaries.
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Furthermore, the USS Blue Ridge’s visit to Vietnam can be seen as both a show of force and a display of cooperation. On one hand, the deployment of a U.S. Navy flagship and a Coast Guard cutter demonstrates U.S. military capability and readiness in the region. On the other hand, the focus on bilateral cooperation, community relations, and cultural exchanges highlights the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in U.S.-Vietnam relations.
The arrival of USS Blue Ridge and USCGC Waesche in Cam Ranh, Vietnam, marks a significant moment in U.S.-Vietnam relations. As the region navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, this deployment serves as a reminder of the United States’ enduring commitment to regional security and cooperation. Whether seen as a show of force or a display of cooperation, this visit underscores the importance of diplomacy and military presence in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
