Two Australian naval ships with a total crew of over 800 personnel will conduct a visit to Cam Ranh port in Vietnam’s central province of Khanh Hoa on May 7-10 as Australia increases naval engagement with regional countries.The port call is part of the Australian Defense Force’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE19), an annual activity aimed at promoting Australia’s regional defense engagement, the Australian embassy in Hanoi said in a statement.
“IPE reinforces Australia’s commitment to a peaceful and secure region and our strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships in support of this aim,” the embassy added.
Australian Army soldiers from 2nd Cavalry Regiment drive ASLAVs (Australian Light-Armoured Vehicles) vehicles aboard HMAS Canberra in Townsville prior to a three-month deployment to Exercise RIMPAC 2016. Photo: Australian Navy
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HMAS Newcastle, meanwhile, is a guided missile frigate, a long range escort vessel, capable of air defense, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction.
During the visit, both ships’ companies will participate in a number of official and social engagements with representatives from services of the Vietnam People’s Army and people of Khanh Hoa province.
