Log in
Vietnam

Vietnam warship leaves for 1st ASEAN-US maritime drill

The drill will consist of pre-sail activities in Thailand, Singapore and Brunei, followed by a sea phase in international waters in Southeast Asia.

A submarine-hunting corvette of the Vietnam Navy on Sunday [September 1] left for the first ASEAN-US maritime drill which will begin this week in Thailand. 
 
Battleship No.18 of Vietnam Navy. Photo: Baohaiquan
Battleship No.18 of Vietnam Navy. Photo: Baohaiquan

Battleship No.18 is a Pohang-class corvette that South Korea gifted to Vietnam last year, according to VnExpress.

This is the first-ever Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX) which will last five days from September 2 to September 6, starting at the Sattahip Naval Base in Thailand and ending in Singapore.

Vietnam will join activities from September 3 to September 5.

Co-led by the U.S. and Royal Thai navies, AUMX will consist of pre-sail activities in Thailand, Singapore and Brunei, followed by a sea phase in international waters in Southeast Asia, including the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea, according to Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

During the mission, the crew of battleship No.18 will patrol the southern area of Vietnam’s waters, attend long-distance sailing training courses, check the status of weapons and equipment to improve their commanding ability and train themselves to be battle ready at sea, and learn ways to improve their ability to coordinate with navies of other countries.

They will also learn to take aerial photography (PHOTOEX), visit, board, search, and seize (VBSS) questionable ships, and carry out night cruises.

The AUMX includes eight warships and four aircraft from seven countries, and more than a thousand personnel representing all ten ASEAN member states and the US, DVIDS reported.

The AUMX was proposed by former U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at a meeting with his 10 ASEAN counterparts on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus in October 2017 in the Philippines.

The proposal was approved at the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting one year later in Singapore and it was agreed that AUMX drill will only take place once and not on a regular basis.

Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander of Task Force 73, who oversees the U.S. Navy’s security cooperation in Southeast Asia, noted that AUMX continues the trend of increased multilateral cooperation among navies in the Indo-Pacific, according to DVIDS.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Party chief urges Hanoi to break bottlenecks, improve livelihoods

Party chief urges Hanoi to break bottlenecks, improve livelihoods

At a meeting with voters in central Hanoi, Party General Secretary To Lam highlighted urgent priorities for the capital, from easing traffic congestion and pollution to strengthening grassroots governance under the two-tier local government model.

EU praises Vietnam’s creative community for advancing sustainable design

EU praises Vietnam’s creative community for advancing sustainable design

EVSDA 2025 reinforces creativity’s role in driving sustainable development in Vietnam while connecting European and Vietnamese values and highlighting ideas for a greener and more inclusive future.

TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 reinforces innovation’s role in powering next growth phase

TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 reinforces innovation’s role in powering next growth phase

It is Vietnam's largest annual festival for innovative startups, highlighting inclusive innovation, encouraging technology commercialization and the development of new products to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy.

Innovation becomes core driver of national development: Vietnam PM

Innovation becomes core driver of national development: Vietnam PM

Innovation is the inevitable path for Vietnam's rapid and sustainable development, building an independent and self-reliant economy that is deeply integrated into the international community.

Green marine economy set for Vietnam’s new development phase with pioneering vision

Green marine economy set for Vietnam’s new development phase with pioneering vision

Unlike traditional conservation approaches, the green marine economy relies on technology, financial resources and international cooperation to balance environmental protection with sustainable economic growth.

Vietnam, Malaysia reaffirm ASEAN unity, call for restraint amid regional tensions

Vietnam, Malaysia reaffirm ASEAN unity, call for restraint amid regional tensions

Both prime ministers also align bilateral cooperation with regional priorities, particularly strengthening ASEAN unity and centrality as constructive and responsible partners.

Temple of Literature by night: When heritage awakens in a magical glow

Temple of Literature by night: When heritage awakens in a magical glow

With layered lighting, immersive sound and rich storytelling, the Van Mieu Night Tour brings centuries-long heritage to life, showcasing the Quintessence of Education and Vietnam’s tradition of honoring knowledge in an enchanting Hanoi night.

Vietnam weathers tariff pressures better than anticipated: HSBC

Vietnam weathers tariff pressures better than anticipated: HSBC

While most regional economies significantly restrained exports to the US, Vietnam maintained strong growth.