McCain, Cable first Navy warships to port at Cam Ranh Bay since war

The destroyer USS John S. McCain and submarine tender USS Frank Cable this week became the first commissioned Navy ships since the Vietnam War to moor at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam’s strategically important South China Sea port. 

Vietnam spent millions of dollars on upgrades at the port, now called Cam Ranh International Port, following an unveiling earlier this year. 

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called access to the expansive deepwater port, which can accommodate aircraft carriers, a “key component” of U.S.-Vietnam relations, during a 2012 visit aboard the Military Sealift Command’s USNS Richard Byrd.

DYI Comments:  Politics make for strange bed fellows and Vietnam is no exception as China flexes their increasing naval strength.  This will not be the last visit by the U.S. Navy but many more to follow.  Negotiations are in place for a U.S. air force base as well.

DYI