Norfolk, Virginia - The Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the United States Pham Quang Vinh, along with Under Secretary of the Navy Mr. Thomas Modly and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia Mr. Patrick Murphy, visited the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Wednesday.

While aboard, the Ambassador and the official party, including his wife, staff members and members from the Vietnamese media toured GHWB's hangar bay, flight deck, pilot house and the President George H.W. Bush Tribute Room which is dedicated to the ship's namesake. They were welcomed by the ship's executive officer, Capt. Chris Hill and had lunch in the ship's wardroom.

"It is an honor to host Ambassador Vinh aboard USS George H.W. Bush," said Capt. Chris Hill. "It is important to continue to build on these relationships in order to increase security cooperation, humanitarian relief efforts and the. U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership"

During his first embark on an aircraft carrier, Vinh expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the crew of GHWB and explained the ongoing importance and value of the two nations' increasing cooperation and advancement of security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

"There's a number of messages which are very important, symbolically...and bilaterally reflect our partnership for peace," said Vinh.

GHWB was the first aircraft carrier to support Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) for a second time. GHWB is the 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

Aircraft carriers provide decisive and sustained airpower to support a full spectrum of mission requirements.

The ship is in port in Norfolk while conducting routine maintenance in preparation for the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).