US Navy carrier strike group members explore Da Nang, buy fish sauce

Led by aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the strike group also includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86).

It arrived at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang on July 30 for a visit lasting until Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, members of the group went ashore and boarded tour buses to continue visiting popular attractions and local eateries.

The tours were organized by Visit Indochina Company Limited, the exclusive tour operator serving U.S. Navy personnel during their stay in Da Nang, according to the company's director, Nguyen Son Thuy.

Based on suggestions from local tourism authorities and the municipal administration, as well as discussions with its partners, the company arranged visits to traditional craft villages and local eateries serving rustic dishes to showcase Da Nang's landscapes, people, and culture.

Accompanied by tour guides, the visitors explored several destinations, including the traditional Nam O fish sauce village and Nam O Beach, a site with deep historical significance for Da Nang.

They also traveled to the top of Hai Van Pass, visited Linh Ung Pagoda, and stopped at eateries to sample mi Quang (Quang noodles), a local specialty, along with other well-known dishes.

The visits not only promoted Da Nang as a tourism destination but also generated business for local establishments and traditional craft producers along the tour routes.

At the Nam O fish sauce village, some of the sailors sampled Huong Lang Co fish sauce and experienced its distinctive aroma and flavor.

After the tasting, several of them bought bottles of the traditional fish sauce, paying in Vietnamese dong, to take back aboard the aircraft carrier.

In the previous days of their stay in Da Nang, the strike group guests visited and shopped at the Non Nuoc stone carving village, enjoyed local specialties, and explored iconic attractions including Hai Van Gate, Marble Mountains, the city center, Con Market and Han Market, among other activities.