SINGAPORE -- The USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) hosted a reception for local guests while in Singapore during a port visit, April 4.

During the reception, Rear Adm. James Kilby, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1, and Capt. Doug Verissimo, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), welcomed Charge d'Affaires, ad interim, U.S. Embassy Singapore Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath; Fleet Commander, Singapore Fleet Commander Colonel Cheong Kwok Chien; and Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, among other guests, in an effort to highlight the strong partnership between the United States and Singapore.

"I think it is important that we pause to recognize the significance of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Navy," said Tyson to more than 400 people gathered in Hangar Bay 2. "We in the U.S. Navy are proud to call you partners and friends."

The reception kicked off with a demonstration from Carl Vinson's color guard while both the Singapore and United States national anthems were played.

After a ceremonial cake cutting to end the ceremony, guests and Sailors enjoyed appetizers and mingled under the stars in the ship's hangar bay and aircraft elevators.

"In today's world of global transition, people are asking about U.S. commitment to the region and to our world," said Syptak-Ramnath. "I think we can look around this deck tonight and know the answer. Carl Vinson first operated in the South China Sea in 1983, and it continues to sail in these waters close to 35 years later."

The Singapore-U.S. bilateral defense relationship was founded on a shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific is vital for regional peace and stability. The Republic of Singapore Navy will celebrate their 50th anniversary in May.

The Republic of Singapore celebrated 51 years as a nation in 2016. The U.S. has enjoyed formal diplomatic and military ties with the Republic of Singapore for more than 50 years.

U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years and will continue to do so. Carl Vinson has deployed to the region and has operated in the South China Sea during 16 separate deployments over its 35-year history.

CSG-1 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, Jan. 5. Carl Vinson, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 1 deployed with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and Wayne E. Meyer.