Canada ship docks at Vietnam important military base for first time

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Linh Pham 15:55, 2019/06/10

Cam Ranh is the important deep-water naval base which accommodates many international warships.

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina, accompanied by Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix, on June 10 docked at Cam Ranh military base in Vietnam’s central region for a four-day visit.

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina at Cam Ranh port. Photo: VnExpress

This is the first visit of HMCS Regina to Cam Ranh International Port – the important deep-water port and naval base of Vietnam.

The visit of HMCS Regina symbolizes the mutual interests of both countries in regional stability but also the growing bilateral relationship, according to the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam.

The visit is part of a program of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Asia-Pacific with partner navies aiming to help strengthen partner nations’ abilities to effectively conduct combined maritime operations.

These deployments contribute to the Royal Canadian Navy’s persistent maritime presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Vietnam’s Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich has just concluded a visit to Canada where he and his Canadian counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in many areas including maritime security.

Canadian naval crew welcome in Vietnam. Photo: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam

“We are delighted to welcome the HMCS Regina, accompanied by the replenishment ship Asterix, to Vietnam. This will be the first Canadian naval ship to visit Cam Ranh port. The port call, taking place after our countries’ Defense Ministers recently signed an MOU on defense cooperation in Canada, shows Canada’s commitment to being a reliable defense partner with Vietnam,” said Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam Deborah Paul.

“HMCS Regina is looking forward to our visit to Vietnam. Widely known for its hospitality and a valued Canadian partner in Southeast Asia, Vietnam represents an opportunity for Regina to work with the local community and demonstrate our commitment to being a valued partner. The highlight will come upon completion of the port visit when we put to sea to conduct joint activity with the Vietnam People’s Navy, so as to extend and improve our network of defense partnerships in the region,” said Commander Jacob French, Commanding Officer HMCS Regina.

Over the past years, the Royal Canadian Navy has paid port calls to different ports in Vietnam namely Tien Sa port in the central city of Da nang and Saigon port in the southern region.

HMCS Regina

HMCS Regina

HMCS Regina is a Halifax-class frigate carrying extensive anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare weapons and sensors to complement their substantial anti-air warfare defenses.

The combination of these weapons and sensor systems, coupled with state-of-the-art damage control and machinery control systems, make frigates one of the most advanced warship designs in the world.

HMCS Regina will be supported by the Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix which operates from Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, a short-term commercial solution contracted for five years to provide essential at-sea replenishment support, and serving as a viable bridge until the arrival of the RCN’s two new Protecteur-class Joint Support Ships.

The Royal Canadian Navy has a long history of deploying around the world in peacetime and during conflicts. In line with Strong, Secure, Engaged, Canada’s Defence Policy, Canada’s naval forces work both independently and in support of allied or partner missions, according to the government of Canada.

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