Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao Visits Vietnam: A New Strategic Bridge The June 2026 working visit marks an important step in the Comp...
Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao Visits Vietnam: A New Strategic Bridge
The June 2026 working visit marks an important step in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the United States
I am Le Sy Hung – an international news and strategic relations analyst. Today, I compile the latest information on the visit and working trip to Vietnam by Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao – a Vietnamese-origin veteran with deep emotional and historical significance.
Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao is on a working visit to Vietnam, meeting with Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang to promote defense cooperation, maritime security, and resolution of war legacies such as dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa and searches for missing service members (MIA).
🔍 Search on GoogleWho is Hung Cao?
Hung Cao (born 1971 in Saigon) is the first Vietnamese-American to serve as Acting Secretary of the Navy of the United States. He left Vietnam in 1975 at the age of four as a refugee and went on to serve 32 years in the US Navy, seeing action in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. In October 2025, he was sworn in as Under Secretary of the Navy, and on April 22, 2026, he became Acting Secretary following the departure of his predecessor, John Phelan.
Hung Cao ✏️ Search on Google is regarded as an important bridge between the two nations thanks to his Vietnamese roots and extensive military experience.
Context and Purpose of the Visit
The working visit takes place amid rapidly developing Vietnam – United States relations ✏️ Search on Google following the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is Hung Cao’s second visit to Vietnam (the first was in November 2025, accompanying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth).
The main objectives are to advance bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in maritime security, training, humanitarian assistance, and addressing war legacies. The trip is also linked to the Pacific Partnership – Friends of the Pacific 2026 (PP-PF26) program in Quang Tri province – an area heavily impacted by war and recent natural disasters.
Schedule and Key Activities
- June 21, 2026: Official announcement from the US side regarding Acting Secretary Hung Cao’s visit to Vietnam.
- Morning of June 22, 2026, Hanoi: Important meeting with General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defense.
- The visit is tied to Pacific Partnership activities in Quang Tri, focusing on humanitarian aid, disaster response, and military-medical cooperation.
- Other potential activities include engagements with naval forces, marines, and local partners (Hanoi confirmed as the primary location).
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| General Secretary and President To Lam receives Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao. |
Highlights of the Meeting with General Phan Van Giang
During the reception, General Phan Van Giang congratulated Hung Cao and expressed confidence that he would serve as an “important bridge” to further promote relations between the two defense ministries. Both sides highly appreciated recent cooperation in high-level exchanges, UN peacekeeping, cybersecurity, maritime security, medical support, and disaster relief.
Vietnam requested the US to fulfill commitments, including an additional $130 million for dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa airport (target completion before 2030), and greater sharing of information, documents, and technology for DNA identification to search for remains of Vietnamese martyrs.
Hung Cao highly valued defense cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, and expressed hope for deeper coordination moving forward.
Strategic Significance of the Visit
Acting Secretary Hung Cao’s visit carries high symbolic value: a Vietnamese-origin individual who once fled as a war refugee now returns as the top civilian leader of the US Navy to strengthen cooperation. It reinforces the message of “leaving the past behind and looking to the future” that both countries are pursuing.
In practical terms, the trip opens opportunities to expand cooperation in maritime security ✏️ Search on Google, force training, equipment support, and participation in Vietnam’s 3rd International Defense Exhibition (expected December 2026 in Hanoi).
Hung Cao’s Emotionally Resonant Personal Message
In statements before and during the trip, Hung Cao shared: “You already know my story. I came here as a refugee, and this place gave me everything. That’s why I’ve worn the uniform for 32 years…” He expressed his desire to return to “where my story began” and pledged to be a reliable bridge between the two nations.
Future Cooperation Prospects
With Hung Cao in his new position, analysts expect more substantive progress in Vietnam-US defense cooperation, particularly in maritime capabilities, disaster response, and addressing war legacies. Vietnam has also invited the US to actively participate in regional and international cooperation activities.
Acting Secretary Hung Cao’s visit is not only a diplomatic event but also an emotionally powerful story of a journey from refugee to high-level leader – a vivid testament to the deepening relationship between Vietnam and the United States.
What are your thoughts on this visit? Feel free to leave a comment below!
Le Sy Hung
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