IN PICTURES: US Navy Warship USS Cincinnati Arrives in Cambodia for Five-Day Visit

A United States Navy warship carrying around 100 sailors has arrived in Cambodian waters, marking a notable moment in bilateral naval relations between Phnom Penh and Washington at the start of 2026.

The USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) entered the Cambodian Sea on Friday and docked at the Ream Sea Base, where it will remain for a five-day port call from January 24 to January 28, according to Cambodian naval officials.

Weighing approximately 3,000 tons and stretching nearly 130 meters in length, the Cincinnati is a littoral combat ship designed for near-shore operations. The vessel is also equipped with an onboard helicopter, underscoring its operational flexibility in maritime security missions.

First Foreign Naval Visit of 2026

The arrival of the USS Cincinnati marks the first foreign naval ship to visit Cambodia in early 2026, a development Cambodian officials say reflects the country’s continued policy of openness and cooperation with international partners.

The ship is commanded by Commander Andrew J. Recame and was formally welcomed at Ream Sea Base by Rear Admiral In Sokhemara, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy’s Ream Sea Base.

Images released by the Cambodian Navy show sailors standing on deck as the ship entered port, with welcoming ceremonies held at the base following its arrival.

Joint Activities and Naval Diplomacy

During the port call, the Cambodian Navy and the US Navy are scheduled to participate in a range of joint activities, including training programs and friendly sports events, aimed at strengthening professional ties and mutual understanding between the two forces.

Cambodian naval officials described the visit as part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation through non-combat engagements, emphasizing confidence-building and people-to-people exchanges.

“The visit demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to openness, transparency, and cooperation with international partners in order to contribute to regional peace and stability,” a Cambodian Navy official said in a statement.

Longstanding Diplomatic Ties

Diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the United States date back 76 years, beginning on July 11, 1950, shortly after the end of World War II. Over the decades, naval cooperation has been one of several channels through which the two countries have maintained engagement.

According to Cambodian Navy data, from 2003 to 2026, the US Navy has conducted 31 port visits involving 37 ships to Cambodia. These visits have included training exchanges, courtesy calls, and various forms of logistical and technical support.

Officials from both sides have repeatedly highlighted naval diplomacy as a means of maintaining communication and reducing misunderstandings in a strategically important region.

Regional Context and Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Cambodian officials say the visit also aligns with the country’s broader commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, based on respect for sovereignty and international law.

The docking of the USS Cincinnati coincides with a separate visit to Cambodia by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, adding diplomatic weight to the naval engagement.

Observers note that such port calls are closely watched amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia, where naval access and military cooperation remain sensitive issues.

Modernized Port Facilities

The USS Cincinnati is currently docked at the Samut Prakan port, which underwent modernization before being commissioned in 2025. Cambodian officials confirmed that the Cincinnati is the third foreign naval vessel to dock at the port since its upgrade.

The improvements are intended to support a wider range of international naval visits and maritime cooperation activities, according to the Royal Cambodian Navy.

Looking Ahead

Cambodian Navy officials said the country remains open to welcoming additional US Navy ship visits in the future and stands ready to further strengthen naval cooperation between the two countries.

As the USS Cincinnati continues its five-day stay, officials from both navies say the visit represents not only a routine port call, but also a symbolic reaffirmation of longstanding ties and a shared interest in maritime security and regional stability.