Aussie ships visit Vietnam

The Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019 (IPE19) Joint Task Force is continuing its international engagement activities with the arrival of two ships in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam.

CAPTION: HMA Ships Newcastle and Canberra underway during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019. (cropped) Photo by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello.

HMA Ships Canberra and Newcastle’s port call follows the recent signing in November of the Joint Vision Statement on enhancing defence cooperation with Vietnam, and upgrading of the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership in March 2018.

Commander of the IPE 19 Joint Task Force Air Commodore Rick Owen said these developments reflect the strength of the Australia-Vietnam relationship and our commitment to cooperating on areas of mutual interest.

“This visit is an important opportunity to increase defence cooperation between the two countries,” Air Commodore Owen said.

“Our defence engagement with Vietnam only started in 1998 but in the intervening years we have become important partners in helping to ensure the region remains safe, secure, open and prosperous.

“This visit is an important part of strengthening our partnership, including working with local communities in Khanh Hoa Province.”

Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program with Vietnam includes English-language training, maritime security, officer development, peacekeeping, aviation safety, military medicine and counter terrorism.

Australia continues to work with Vietnam to grow its maritime-security capability through providing positions on naval-training courses and conducting cooperation activities with the Vietnamese People’s Army during annual Royal Australian Navy ship visits.

During this visit members of the IPE19 Joint Task Force will be joining members of the Vietnamese Armed Forces in a series of military and cultural activities, including sharing Australian experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and a visit to a local school.

For the first time, the Joint Task Force is incorporating Australian defence industry, showcasing some of the country’s capabilities and services during official receptions on board HMAS Canberra.

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