MEDIA RELEASE on 28 September 2006

AUSTRALIAN NAVY TO VISIT DA NANG

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Guided Missile Frigate, HMAS Newcastle, has made a much anticipated visit to Da Nang city today. This is the first visit by Newcastle to Vietnam.

The Commanding Officer, Captain David Johnston, RAN, and crew are pleased to have the opportunity to visit Vietnam.

“The ship has had a busy year in Australian waters, and the crew are enjoying the warmer tropical weather and are looking forward to the upcoming recreational visit to Da Nang,” said Captain Johnston.

“For many this will be their first overseas port and they look forward to meeting the people of Vietnam, sampling the variety of foods on offer, shopping in the market-places, buying souvenirs and taking in some of the local and nearby sights.”

Built in Melbourne, Victoria, and commissioned in 1993, Newcastle has a proud history having served as part of the Maritime Interception Force in the Arabian Gulf on numerous occasions and has taken part in multi-national exercises all over the world. The first RAN ship to bear the name, Newcastle is a long-range escort with roles including air-defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction.


Further information on HMAS Newcastle can be obtained from the Navy website:
http://www.navy.gov.au/ships/newcastle/default.html

Media Contact:
Australian Defence Adviser, Vietnam: (+84-4) 831 7755
Australian Defence Media Liaison: +61 2 6265 3343 or +61 408 498 664