(Sihanoukville): As scheduled, a United States Navy warship carrying approximately 100 naval personnel has arrived in Cambodian waters and docked at Ream Naval Base for a five-day port visit from 24 to 28 January.

The visiting vessel is USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), a Littoral Combat Ship weighing about 3,000 tons and measuring nearly 130 meters in length, with helicopter capability. Commanded by Andrew J. Recame, the ship is the first foreign naval vessel to visit Cambodia in early 2026.

The arrival was warmly welcomed by In Sokhemara, Deputy Commander of Ream Naval Base of the Royal Cambodian Navy.

During the port call, the Cambodian and US navies will conduct joint training activities and friendly sports exchanges, aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, professional cooperation, and naval friendship.

Cambodia and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations for 76 years, since their establishment on 11 July 1950. Over the decades, naval cooperation has included joint exercises, courtesy visits, and various forms of assistance and support. From 2003 to 2026, US Navy vessels have made 31 port calls involving 37 ships to Cambodia.

Officials of the Royal Cambodian Navy described the visit as a demonstration of Cambodia’s commitment to an open and transparent defense policy and cooperation with international partners, contributing to regional peace and stability. Cambodia continues to support peace, stability, and prosperity in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific through cooperation grounded in respect for sovereignty and international law.

Cambodian naval officials reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation with the US Navy and to welcome additional port visits in the future.

The port call coincides with an official visit to Cambodia by Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The arrival of the USS Cincinnati marks the third foreign naval vessel to dock at Ream Naval Base since its modernization and official reopening in 2025, following earlier visits by naval ships from Japan and Viet Nam.
=FRESH NEWS