Frigate 016-Quang Trung docks at Coonawarra, Australia

PANO - Frigate 016-Quang Trung of Brigade 162, Naval Region 4, carrying a delegation of the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) led by Senior Captain Nguyen Minh Lanh, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 4, arrived at Coonawarra Naval Base in Darwin, Australia, on March 5 to conduct logistics and technical preparations for its upcoming voyage to Sydney.

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Captain Bernadette Alexander, Commanding Officer of Coonawarra Naval Base, and Colonel Nguyen Anh Vu, Vietnam’s Defense Attaché to Australia, welcomed the frigate and its delegation, expressing their pleasure when the VPN is sending a vessel to participate in the International Fleet Review marking the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy and the Kakadu 2026 Multinational Naval Exercise in Sydney.

Departing from Cam Ranh Naval Base on February 23 afternoon and sailing more than 2,500 nautical miles to Darwin, Frigate 016-Quang Trung strictly carried out the voyage in line with the approved operational plan.

On February 26, the delegation held a solemn equator-crossing ceremony, affirming the crew’s ability to master the technical equipment in distant waters while raising awareness of naval troops about the love for national sea and islands, as well as the duty of protecting national sovereignty and interests at sea.

During the voyage, on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Vietnamese Doctors’ Day (February 27), the head of the delegation met with doctors and medical staff participating in the mission.

Upon arrival at the port, the delegation and the ship’s crew strictly complied with Australia’s quarantine and immigration regulations. Representatives of the two navies also agreed on several contents for upcoming activities.

As scheduled, Frigate 016-Quang Trung will leave Darwin on March 7 to continue its journey to Sydney to take part in the International Fleet Review and the Exercise Kakadu 2026.