In pictures: US frigate's historic Vietnam visit

1 of 6 The USS Vandegrift has become the first US warship to visit Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam war

2 of 6 The ship sailed up the Saigon river, providing some poignant images as both countries stress the future not the past

3 of 6 The ship's commander said his 200-strong crew were very excited to be invited

4 of 6 During their four-day visit, sailors will be allowed ashore and to visit the city, formerly known as Saigon, which US troops once knew well

5 of 6 Most Vietnamese seemed to welcome the visit, and its symbolic promise of better US ties

6 of 6 A handshake sealed the two countries' resumption of military ties