The Australian warship HMAS Sydney is now on a goodwill visit to Ho Chi Minh City from October 29 to November 3 to enhance ties between Australia and Vietnam, as well as to strengthen the relationship between the two naval forces.

The crew of 35 officers and 194 sailors on the guided missile frigate are expected to conduct a professional exchange on ship-borne helicopter operations, participate in a friendly sporting activity with cadets at the Naval Technical College tomorrow, and play football at the RMIT University in the city on Wednesday.

On Friday, the Australian seamen will greet physically-challenged children of Binh Minh special school, which is supported by LORETO Vietnam-Australia Program.

Captain Matthew Dudley, Australian Defence Attaché in Vietnam, said, “This is an excellent opportunity to build upon the Australian Vietnam Defence cooperation relationship that commenced in 1999 and has recently been reaffirmed at the meeting between our two Defence Ministers in Hanoi in August 2012.”

“Since 1999, the Australian Defence Force has trained over 1,200 Vietnamese People’s Army officers in Vietnam and Australia,” he added.

The 4,200 ton ship is commanded by Captain Luke Charles-Jones, Royal Australian Navy. The ship can cover different roles including air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

HMAS Sydney is armed with surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-missile system and torpedo tubes.