US sailors join in community exchanges in Khanh Hoa
Crew members and officers of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge and US Coast Guard Cutter Waesche have engaged in many cultural and community activities during a port call in the central province of Khanh Hoa from July 8 to 11.
Visiting an orphanage in Cam Phuoc Dong commune in Cam Ranh city on July 11 morning, they talked to and joined over 70 children in various activities such as re-painting equipment at the playground, painting figurines, and performing music.
Lieutenant junior grade Sarah Merrill from the US Navy’s 7th Fleet appreciated Vietnamese people’s warm welcome for them, saying community activities during the visit were successful and the exchange with locals in Khanh Hoa was a way to help build up the friendship between the two countries’ peoples.
Vice Admiral Fred W. Kacher, Commander of the 7th Fleet, noted many Vietnamese-origin people working on the two ships had a chance to visit their relatives in Khanh Hoa on this occasion.
He also thanked units and forces for creating conditions for the successful visit and community exchanges.
Shortly after arriving at Cam Ranh International Port on July 8 evening, the 7th Fleet Band performed to serve tourists and locals in Nha Trang city.
On July 10, the ships’ crew members participated in a cultural and linguistic exchange at the University of Khanh Hoa in Nha Trang.
