On this occasion, Colonel Nguyen Quoc Quang, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 3, Head of the working delegation on Ship 20, gave an interview to a reporter from the People's Army Newspaper.

Reporter (PV): Could you please tell us the purpose and meaning of the trip?

Colonel Nguyen Quoc Quang: This working trip is very important for Naval Region 3 in particular and the Navy in general. The working trip aims to implement the direction of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense on international integration and defense diplomacy; continue to improve the ability to coordinate and cooperate in responding to common challenges in maritime security.

The trip also aims to consolidate and further strengthen the existing good friendship and cooperation between the Vietnam Army and Navy with the Armies and Navies of countries in and outside the region. We are very honored and proud to be entrusted by the Commander of the Navy to carry out this task.

Colonel Nguyen Quoc Quang, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 3, Head of the working delegation on Ship 20. Photo: NAM LONG

Within the framework of LIMA 2023 and MNEK-4, officers and soldiers of Ship 20 and the Working Group participated in many activities such as the international naval ship parade, humanitarian engineering; street parade; meetings to develop exercise plans at the wharf; visiting exhibition fairs, historical sites and scenic spots; sports, art and culinary exchanges in Langkawi and Makassar cities, leaving a good impression on the people and Navies of the countries.

In particular, Ship 20 has participated very well in the sea exercises within the framework of LIMA 2023 and MNEK-4. These two exercises require a firm grasp of the plan, good coordination with naval ships of more than 20 participating countries, the ability to master equipment and good command and control at sea to ensure safety and successful implementation of the agreed exercise items.

The live-fire exercise at sea within the framework of MNEK-4 lasted from 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 8. It was a test of the qualifications and experience of the officers and soldiers of Ship 20, and we fully performed all the contents of this exercise such as communication, formation movement, maritime interdiction, and greeting each other at sea.

Colonel Nguyen Quoc Quang (far right), with officers and soldiers on Ship 20 and the Working Group when Ship 20 crossed the equator at 7:00 a.m. on May 31, 2023. Photo: NAM LONG

PV: How did Naval Region 3 prepare to successfully complete this mission, comrade?

Colonel Nguyen Quoc Quang: Naval Region 3 always receives the attention, leadership and close direction of the Chief of the Navy Command; enthusiastic guidance and assistance in all aspects from the functional agencies of the Ministry of National Defense and the Navy in the process of implementing tasks.

Fully aware of the importance of this defense diplomacy mission, Naval Region 3 has prepared very carefully and meticulously in terms of human resources, ships, technical equipment and logistics; closely coordinated with relevant agencies to carry out the mission according to plan, achieving the set goals and requirements; ensuring absolute safety in all aspects.

Stationed in Da Nang City, officers and soldiers of Naval Region 3 regularly participate in foreign affairs activities whenever foreign naval ships visit the city. However, this is the first time a warship of Naval Region 3 has been sent to participate in international multilateral foreign affairs activities with a duration of 35 days, a journey of more than 5,000 nautical miles, crossing the equator. This trip opened a new page in history for Naval Region 3, affirming that Naval Region 3 has the capacity to be ready to receive and successfully complete international multilateral foreign affairs tasks when assigned by the Chief of Naval Command.

Ship 20 in the formation of the Maritime Exercise at LIMA 2023 on May 28. Photo: Malaysian Navy

PV: Could you please tell us more specifically about how the capacity of the officers and soldiers on Ship 20 was demonstrated during the trip?

Colonel Nguyen Quoc Quang: With a long voyage, Ship 20 passes through large sea areas in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, operating in sea areas with high density of ships passing through, potentially causing unsafe risks. That reality places high demands on logistics and technical assurance, especially the political mettle and capacity of officers and soldiers.

In addition, participating in international multilateral activities for the first time is also a new experience for the officers and soldiers of Naval Region 3. However, with the attention and direction of superiors and the coordination and support of relevant agencies, along with the tradition and experience of the officers and soldiers of Naval Region 3, Ship 20 and the Working Group successfully completed the contents, achieving the goals and requirements of the trip.

We have fully and equally participated in the contents of the host country's program as well as sideline exchange activities; strictly complied with military foreign affairs regulations, regulations on ensuring internal political security, ensuring safety in all aspects; built a beautiful, friendly and amicable image of the country, the Army and the people of Vietnam in the eyes of international friends.

Ship 20 in the formation of the Marine Exercise within the framework of MNEK-4 on the afternoon of June 8. Photo: Indonesian Navy

In particular, during the operation, officers and soldiers of Ship 20 combined long-distance sea training with contents such as air-to-air and sea combat; protecting the ship's vitality; fighting pirates and frogmen; rescue and salvage... This training helps to further improve the capacity of organizing and coordinating command, combat readiness, and the level of mastering weapons and equipment in conditions of long-term operations at sea.

Thus, the knowledge and experience gained during this working trip not only helps Naval Region 3 successfully complete assigned defense and foreign affairs tasks but also has great significance for combat readiness training of Naval Region 3 in particular and the Vietnam People's Navy in general.

PV: Thank you, Deputy Commander!

NGOC HUNG (performed)