Vietnamese American sailors share stories, joy aboard US aircraft carrier USS George Washington

Among the thousands of U.S. sailors aboard the aircraft carrier, which is currently docked in Da Nang, Vietnamese American crew members are easy to spot.

They have been assigned to welcome visitors aboard, sharing stories about their work, family roots and feelings about visiting Vietnam.

One sailor, Y Van, has a distinctly Vietnamese name and appearance but speaks only a little Vietnamese.

Another, Lorman, has an unmistakably American face but speaks Vietnamese with the sweet accent of southern Vietnam.

And Phong Tran, after nearly a quarter-century away from his homeland, is hoping above all to visit his grandmother.

Sailor visits mother's homeland for first time

Y Van's name and appearance are distinctly Vietnamese that, without her aircraft carrier uniform, many might mistake her for a Vietnamese woman walking the streets of Da Nang.

Born in the U.S. and never having visited Da Nang, Y Van tried to speak a little Vietnamese when asked about her feelings on visiting her mother's homeland for the first time.

After four years of working aboard the aircraft carrier, Y Van finally had the chance to visit Vietnam thanks to the USS George Washington's current port call.

She kept the trip a secret from her mother, telling her only after the carrier had entered the waters off Da Nang.

Although language can be a barrier, Y Van's eyes light up when she talks about her "mother's homeland."

She also jokingly said she is looking forward to trying mi Quang (Quang noodles), a local specialty she has never tasted in her life.

Sailor with southern Vietnam accent

Like Y Van, Lorman was born and raised in the U.S., but despite his distinctly American appearance, he speaks Vietnamese with a sweet southern Vietnamese accent inherited from his mother, who is from Dong Thap Province.

Lorman first visited Vietnam in 2009 and is excited to return for a second visit, with plans to explore Ba Na Hills in Da Nang.

"I want to eat banh mi," the sailor said, drawing smiles from those around him.

Sailor hopes to see grandmother

Phong Tran, 34, who works in the aircraft carrier's kitchen, has a different story.

His daily duties include working in the galley and teaching younger sailors how to cook aboard the ship.

He previously served aboard the USS Nimitz before transferring to the USS George Washington about two months ago.

When he learned that the carrier would visit Da Nang, he was delighted because it had been a long time since he last came back to Vietnam.

Born in Quang Nam, which is now part of Da Nang City, and moving to the U.S. at the age of nine, Phong still speaks with the unmistakable accent of someone from central Vietnam.

Asked what he misses most about Vietnam, Phong paused before answering.

"I miss my grandmother," he said, his eyes slightly reddening. Although the aircraft carrier has arrived in Da Nang, he does not have enough time to travel home to see her.

"When I return to the U.S., I'll tell my parents to visit her," Phong said.

A connection between sailors and homeland

The presence of Vietnamese American sailors aboard U.S. Navy ships is not accidental.

In 2023, Vietnamese American sailors including Carlos Nguyen and Doan Nhat Huyen Tran were also assigned to welcome visitors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.

Carlos said at the time that he was proud to be Vietnamese on a U.S. aircraft carrier.

The U.S. Navy appears to provide opportunities for Vietnamese American crew members to take part in such visits, giving them a chance to connect with their ancestral homeland while serving in an official capacity.

"I believe that the two countries becoming partners and good friends is good for both sides," USS George Washington officer Alex Nguyen said.

With permission from the Vietnamese government, a U.S. Navy task force arrived at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang on Thursday.

The group comprises the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86). The visit will last until August 5.

This is the fourth official visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier to Vietnam.

The previous visits took place in 2018, 2020 and 2023.

During the visit, the task force's commanders will pay courtesy calls on Da Nang leaders and the Vietnam Navy Region 3 Command.

Officers and sailors will also take part in community activities in Da Nang, including cultural and sports exchanges.