Canadian warship visits Ho Chi Minh City.

The HMCS Montréal docked at Nha Rong Port on August 15th.

The head of the Vietnamese Navy delegation, Colonel Phan Anh Tuan, Deputy Commander of Brigade 125, Region 2 of the Navy, welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Travis Bain, commander of HMCS Montréal, leading his crew on their visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

The visit highlights the importance of the partnership.

Canadian Ambassador Shawn Steil said the visit of the warship demonstrates Canada's strong commitment to a dynamic partnership with Vietnam in particular and the Indo- Pacific region in general.

At the same time, the presence of HMCS Montréal further demonstrates the growing friendship and defense cooperation between Canada and Vietnam.

During their time in Ho Chi Minh City, the Canadian warship engaged in activities aimed at strengthening relations with Vietnamese partners in both military and diplomatic fields, including exchanges and meetings between the navies of the two countries, and friendly sports competitions.

Colonel Phan Anh Tuan, Deputy Commander of Brigade 125, Region 2 of the Navy, welcomed the delegation led by Lieutenant Colonel Travis Bain, commander of HMCS Montréal.

In addition, the crew also participates in community support activities and builds relationships with the people, such as interacting with students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City and visiting the Mother's Love Shelter 2 in Binh Duong province. At the shelter, the sailors will volunteer their time doing tasks such as laying tiles for the children's playground, painting walls, and planting trees.

In particular, the sailors also have the opportunity to "Experience Saigon like a Saigonese." The crew will visit Ben Thanh Market and learn how to make and serve banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) to their Vietnamese friends. This is one of the activities that the sailors of HMCS Montréal are especially looking forward to, according to Lieutenant Commander Bain.

"The entire crew is extremely excited to be in your beautiful country. And for many of our members, this is their first time in Vietnam," said Commander Bain, adding that everyone is looking forward to enjoying Vietnamese food.

Representatives from Vietnam and Canada at the ship's welcoming ceremony on August 15.

Information about the HMCS Montreal

As a Halifax-class light destroyer, HMCS Montréal is equipped with modern anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare weapons and sensors, in addition to powerful air defense systems.

This combination of weapon and sensor systems, along with advanced damage control and mechanical control systems, gives the Royal Canadian Navy destroyers a high level of combat capability.

HMCS Montréal will visit Ho Chi Minh City for 5 days.

The HMCS Montréal is deployed with a crew of CH-148 Cyclone helicopters specializing in anti-submarine warfare, maritime reconnaissance, and search and rescue.

Commander Bain stated that Montreal is the first of three ships participating in Operation Horizon, a mission launched in 2023 that focuses on maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ship departed from Halifax (Nova Scotia province) in April and is expected to return to its home port in October after completing its six-month mission.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tau-chien-canada-tham-tphcm-185240815135013568.htm