Representatives of Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Seychelles, Malaysia and Indonesia joined the event virtually.
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Representatives of participating countries in a joint photo at the closing ceremony of MILAN 2022 |
Addressing the closing ceremony, Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Commander of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, stressed that MILAN 2022 with harbor and sea phases ended successfully. He thanked 39 navies and 13 warships for their active and responsible participation though some countries are coping with complicated COVID-19 pandemic situations. He also expressed his delight at welcoming invited guests from the U.S. Navy.
He spoke highly of participating countries’ completion of the exercise’s contents, contributing to the final success of MILAN 2022.
Despite language barrier, smooth communication was kept and joint exercise during the long voyage helped participating navies further understand one another, said the commander of the Indian Eastern Fleet.
In his speech, Commander Vu Trong Tan, captain of the Vietnamese frigate 016-Quang Trung, thanked the host for their hospitability, solemn reception and warm feelings. He highlighted the significance of MILAN 2022 in maintaining order, stability, security at sea and maritime safety. He stressed that Vietnam hopes to meet other countries again at next MILAN exercises.
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The 016-Quang Trung at the port of Visakhapatnam, India |
At a lesson-drawing event held after the closing ceremony, representatives of participating navies agreed that MILAN exercise is a good chance for navies to strengthen friendship, solidarity, trust and mutual understanding for peace, cooperation, and development.
Some hoped to see participation of more submarines, anti-submarine helicopters, and unmanned targets at sea for the artillery firing content in coming MILAN exercises.
During MILAN 2022, the 016-Quang Trung and the delegation of the Vietnam People’s Navy led by Senior Captain Nguyen Van Nga, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 4, actively got involved in the two phases of the exercise and sidelines activities, leaving deep impression of the Vietnam People’s Navy and Vietnam People’s Army on international peers. They strictly observed maritime safety rules, and COVID-19 prevention and control regulations as well.
The same day, the 016-Quang Trung and its crew-members were applauded by the Party Committee and leaders of Brigade 162 of the Naval Region 4 Command for their high determination to complete the missions and their achievements made during the international exercise.
Reported by My Hanh – Linh Oanh from Visakhapatnam, India
Translated by Mai Huong