Frigate 016-Quang Trung crosses Equator

PANO - During its voyage from Cam Ranh military port to Sydney, Australia, to participate in the Fleet Review and the Exercise Kakadu 2026, at exactly 10:00 a.m. on February 26, Frigate 016-Quang Trung of Brigade 162, Naval Region 4 of the Vietnam People’s Navy, crossed the Equator.

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Senior Captain Nguyen Minh Lanh, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 4 and head of the delegation, presided over the Equator-crossing ceremony on the helicopter deck of the 016-Quang Trung.

Frigate 016-Quang Trung crosses the Equator at position: φ = 00°0’0’’, λ = 106°45’30’’E.

After the flag-saluting ceremony, Sr. Capt. Nguyen Minh Lanh congratulated all officers and sailors of the ship and other participants in the historic voyage on officially crossing the Equator, a memorable milestone in their military service and seafaring career.

He emphasized that for naval forces, the ceremony reflected professional pride and the identity of sailors. Crossing the Equator and participating in this traditional ritual marked an important milestone, demonstrating courage and serving as spiritual encouragement, while affirming the capability to master modern ships and operate in distant seas, contributing to educating sailors about love for the sea and commitment to protecting national sovereignty and interests at sea.

A flag-saluting ceremony aboard the ship at the Equator

During the ceremony, participants followed maritime tradition by drinking and bathing in seawater. The head of the delegation and the commander of Brigade 162 presented Equator-crossing certificates to members of the delegation and the ship’s crew.

The Equator-crossing ceremony has a long tradition in navies and maritime communities worldwide, associated with the belief that sailors are recognized by the “God of the seas” as true seafarers after crossing the Equator for the first time. Organizing the ceremony reflects integration with and respect for international maritime customs and traditions.

On the journey to Exercise Kakadu 2026, on March 5 morning, Frigate 016-Quang Trung docked at Coonawarra Naval Base in Darwin, Australia to refuel and coordinate plans with the Royal Australian Navy.