US warship docks at Ream for five-day cooperative port call
Photo: Commander Andrew J. Recame (left), of the USS Cincinnati, is welcomed to Ream Navy Base by a Cambodian delegation on January 24. AKP
The USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) arrived at Ream Naval Base this morning, January 24, as part of a mission to and enhance cooperation between Cambodian and US armed forces. The vessel will depart from the Preah Sihanouk port on January 28.
The vessel, an Independence-class littoral combat ship, weighs approximately 3,100 tonnes. Built on a unique trimaran hull, it has a length of around 130 metres and a bean of 31 metres. Armed with multiple helicopters and a missile array, it is commanded by Commander Andrew J. Recame, who was personally greeted by In Sokhemara, Deputy Commander of the Ream Naval Base.
According to naval officials, from 2003 through 2026, a total of 37 US Navy vessels docked in the Kingdom, on 31 different visits.
The last took place in 2024, when the USS Savannah visited from December 16-20.
Diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the US span almost 76 years. They began in July 1950, five years after the Second World War.
Sokhemara expressed his hopes that cooperation would continue between the navies of both nations, especially regarding human resource training and joint exercises which align with the modernisation of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
“The Cambodian Navy is ready to strengthen cooperation between the navies of the two countries, as well as to welcome more US vessels,” he said.
He described the visit as demonstrating Cambodia’s commitment to implementing a policy of openness, transparency and cooperation with international partners to contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability.
“Cambodia continues to support the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions through cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and international law,” Sokhemara noted.
-Phnom Penh Post-
