George Washington Strike Group departs Da Nang, Vietnam

Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), center, poses for a group photo with distinguished visitors on the flight deck during a scheduled port visit to Da Nang, Vietnam, Aug. 3, 2026. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Crowley)

Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Cr

Upon departure, the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) and forces from the Vietnamese People’s Navy conducted a bilateral search-and-rescue (SAR) exercise at sea. This cooperative maritime exercise allowed both nations to build upon relationships formed ashore and practice coordinated communication, emergency response, and life-saving procedures in the maritime domain. The U.S. and Vietnamese maritime services work together to improve Vietnam’s ability to maintain bilateral maritime domain awareness.

During the port visit, the leadership and crew of George Washington engaged in a robust schedule of key leader engagements with military counterparts to include a reception with 400 guests from Vietnam, a friendly soccer game between US and Vietnam Sailors, U.S. Seventh Fleet Band concerts, and ship tours for over 450 guests aimed at building trust and highlighting the strengthening U.S.-Vietnam partnership. Each iteration serves to further deepen the network of cooperation that represents the critical importance of maritime partnership.

“Whether we are navigating the complexities of an at-sea rescue exercise or playing a spirited game of soccer on a local field, the goal is the same: building human connections,” said Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of George Washington. “The hospitality shown to our Sailors by the people of Da Nang was world-class. Through these cultural exchanges and cooperative training events, we strengthen the bonds that help maintain peace and stability throughout the region.” The U.S. Navy looks forward to the continued work with the Vietnam People’s Navy and across the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense to advance a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.

The GWA CSG is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.