Frigate 015–Tran Hung Dao’s visit to China leaves lasting impression

The farewell ceremony for Frigate 015–Tran Hung Dao and the Vietnamese naval delegation was solemnly held at the port under the chair of a representative from the Staff Department of the North Sea Fleet, the Chinese Navy.

Talking with a reporter from the People’s Army Newspaper before the ship left port, Senior Captain Nguyen Binh Nam, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4 and head of the Vietnamese delegation, said that during the visit to Qingdao, the entire delegation and Frigate 015–Tran Hung Dao received warm and thoughtful hospitality from the North Sea Fleet and the Chinese Navy. 

He noted that the visit was successful in every respect, featuring many meaningful activities, such as courtesy calls on leaders of Qingdao and the North Sea Fleet; a visit to the Chinese Navy’s vessel Weifang; hosting Chinese naval officers aboard Frigate 015–Tran Hung Dao; and sports exchanges between officers and sailors of the two navies.

In particular, the banquet held on the evening of December 3 aboard Frigate 015–Tran Hung Dao took place in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, leaving a deep and lasting impression on the Vietnamese delegation as well as officers and sailors of both navies. Capt. Nam emphasized that this visit made a practical contribution to strengthening the friendly cooperation, trust, and mutual understanding between the navies of Vietnam and China.

After departing the port, the 015–Tran Hung Dao and China’s Ship 550 conducted joint exercises at sea, including communications checks, formation maneuvering, and ceremonial passing procedures at sea.

Upon completing the joint drills, the 015–Tran Hung Dao began its courtesy visit to Japan, with Kure City of Hiroshima Prefecture as its next destination.

Below are photos of the 015–Tran Hung Dao and the Vietnamese delegation leaving Qingdao. 

A representative of the Staff Department of the North Sea Fleet bids farewell to the delegation.

Officers and sailors of the North Sea Fleet attend the send-off ceremony for the 015–Tran Hung Dao.

Commander Do Xuan Tiep, Captain of Frigate 015–Tran Hung Dao, releases the ship’s departure command.

The Chinese Navy assists in unmooring operations.

Members of the delegation and Frigate 015–Tran Hung Dao's crew-members bid farewell at the port.

The chain-of-command directs the ship to leave the port.

Frigate 015 –Tran Hung Dao leaves Qingdao Port.

Reported by Vu Hung

Translated by Tran Hoai