On September 11, Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, the Fleet Commander of the Royal Australian Navy, received Rear Admiral Nguyen Viet Khanh, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Vietnam People’s Navy.
At the meeting, Rear Admiral Christopher Smith thanked Vietnam for sending a ship to participate in non-combat activities within the framework of the exercise for the first time. He emphasized that the participation of the Vietnam People’s Navy was crucial to the success of the exercise.
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At the meeting between Rear Admiral Christopher Smith and Rear Admiral Nguyen Viet Khanh |
Rear Admiral Nguyen Viet Khanh thanked the Royal Australian Navy for inviting the Vietnam People’s Navy to join Kakadu 2024, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and share experience and strengthen solidarity and friendship among the navies of participating nations.
The same day, crew-members of Ship 18 and other 15 teams from participating countries took part in various sports activities such as football, volleyball, and underwater obstacle courses crossing. The art troupe of the Vietnamese Navy contributed several performances during the cultural exchange and the food festival and received high appreciation from the international friends.
Earlier on September 10, Rear Admiral Nguyen Viet Khanh attended the Fleet Commanders' Conference, chaired by Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, with the participation of more than 30 representatives from various navies. At the conference, delegates shared experience in minimizing damage caused by natural disasters and epidemics, agreeing that international cooperation should be strengthened to support each other in necessary situations.
On the evening of September 10, Rear Admiral Nguyen Viet Khanh hosted a banquet on board Ship 18. Attendees included Vietnamese Deputy Ambassador to Australia Nghiem Xuan Hoa; Vietnamese Defense Attaché to Australia, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Darwin. International guests included Paul O'Grady, Royal Australian Navy Commodore and the exercise’s Commander; Colonel David Tietzel, Director of Force Development Agency of Surface Ships Fleet, Royal Australian Navy; Colonel Mick Jansen, Defense Attaché of Australia to Vietnam; and representatives from the participating ships in the exercise.
The banquet, taking place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, helped international friends learn more about the country, people, culture, and cuisine of Vietnam, contributing to strengthening friendship, mutual trust and understanding.
On September 12, Ship 18 and other ships participating in Kakadu 2024 left the port to start sea-phase activities within the exercise.
Below are photos of the activities of the Vietnamese delegation and Ship 18’s crew-members at Kakadu 2024.
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Vietnamese naval delegation participating in sports activities within Kakadu 2024 |
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The Vietnamese team, dubbed the "Golden Star Warriors," competes in the underwater obstacle crossing event, finishing 6th out of 16 teams. |
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Vietnamese naval officers and troops compete in beach volleyball, finishing 2nd out of 14 teams. |
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In football event, the Vietnamese players rank 2nd out of 13 teams. Activities take place in a joyful atmosphere, providing an opportunity for participating naval troops to exchange to strengthen understanding and friendship. |
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Joining an international cultural exchange |
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Colonel Mick Jansen, Defense Attaché of Australia to Vietnam, in a joint photo with the Vietnamese volleyball team |
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A view of the Fleet Commanders' Conference |
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The banquet held on board Ship 18 featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine and cultural performances, leaves a good impression on international friends. |
Translated by Tran Hoai