CAM RANH BAY, Vietnam (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) completed a successful technical and good will visit port visit to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, Oct. 4.

Frank Cable, along with the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), were the first U.S. ships to moor in the port facility. The port visit followed the conclusion of the sea phase of Naval Engagement Activity Vietnam.

NEA Vietnam has evolved from annual port visits to Da Nang by U.S. Navy ships, which began more than a decade ago, to a multi-day bilateral naval engagement ashore and at sea.

"This was a great opportunity to visit a culturally-rich country and continue to develop a relationship based on friendship and mutual respect," said Capt. Drew St. John, Frank Cable's commanding officer. "Frank Cable Sailors and Civilian Mariners continued their reputation of being great ambassadors. With the assistance of our gracious hosts, we were able to provide a small amount of support for the needs of the S.O.S Children's Village. Whether it was through the community relations project or just getting off the ship and exploring the area, the lasting impression we made here during our short visit, I hope, pays dividends in the future."

During the visit, Sailors and Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners explored, learned and engaged with the people of Vietnam.

Sailors also volunteered for a community relations project at the S.O.S Village, helping foster a better understanding between the U.S. and the people of Vietnam.

July marked the 21st anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam, and these activities are designed to foster mutual understanding, build confidence in the maritime domain, and develop relationships between the people and navies of both nations.

More than 500 Sailors and Civilian Mariners make up Frank Cable's crew are currently deployed to provide vital flexibility to the fleet commanders, extending the range and impact of U.S. naval forces.

"We still have a mission to do," said St. John. "The crew is prepared to support the fleet in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, strengthening ties and demonstrating our flexibility as a repair ship in the U.S. 7th Fleet."

USS Frank Cable is one of two forward-deployed submarine tenders and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to conduct maintenance and support of deployed U.S. naval force submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.