Australian Embassy
Vietnam

Media release - 30 May 2016

Australian Navy Warship HMAS ANZAC to Pay a Goodwill Visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 30 May to 2 June 2016

The Australian Navy warship, HMAS ANZAC will visit Vietnam from 30 May to 2 June 2016 on a goodwill visit.  The port visit is expected to strengthen the relationship between our two navies and to enhance the nation to nation ties between Australia and Vietnam.

The guided missile frigate HMAS ANZAC will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on 30 May with a crew of 28 officers and 156 sailors. The Commander and crew will meet with senior officers and sailors from the Vietnamese People’s Navy to engage in a range of goodwill activities and to conduct a professional exchange on ship operations.  The crew will also participate in a friendly sporting activity with cadets at the Naval Technical College as well as taking advantage of the opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich culture and to meet the people of Vietnam.

Colonel Darren Kerr, Australian Defence Attaché in Vietnam, stated “This visit an excellent opportunity to build upon the Australian Vietnam Defence cooperation relationship that commenced in 1999 and has grown in size and complexity since that that time.  Since 1999, the Australian Defence Force has trained over 1,500 Vietnam People’s Army officers in Vietnam and Australia and is now assisting the Vietnam People’s Army to prepare for United Nations peacekeeping operations. I know that the officers and crew of HMAS ANZAC are looking forward to their visit to Ho Chi Minh City as one of the highlights of their deployment.”

“We are delighted to welcomed HMAS ANZAC to Vietnam, as part of our regular program of ship visits.  And I’m particularly pleased to note that she is commanded Captain Belinda Wood, one of a growing number of women in leadership positions in the Royal Australian Navy,” added Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, HE Mr Hugh Borrowman.

HMAS ANZAC is an ANZAC Class guided missile frigate with roles including air defence, anti-submarine and surface warfare, surveillance, interdiction and reconnaissance. Weighing 3,600 tons and 118 metres in length, HMAS ANZAC is armed with Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles, Harpoon Block 2 Anti-ship missiles, a Mk 45 127 millimetre gun and six Mk 32 torpedo tubes. HMAS ANZAC is also fitted with a flight deck and a hangar for a multi-role S-70B-2 Sea Hawk helicopter and has a top speed of 27 knots.

 

Media Contact:

Colonel Darren Kerr, Australian Defence Attaché, Vietnam Mob 0903 444 945.