British Navy ship HMS Richmond returns to Ho Chi Minh City after 4 years

The Royal Navy's HMS Richmond docked at Nha Rong Port, starting its second visit to Ho Chi Minh City after the visit in 2021.

The press delegation and the British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City visited the HMS Richmond ship on the afternoon of September 22 - Photo: HUU HANH

On the afternoon of September 22, the Royal Navy's offshore patrol ship HMS Richmond, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kemp, docked at Nha Rong Port, beginning a visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

The visit takes place on the occasion of the UK and Vietnam celebrating 15 years of establishing a Strategic Partnership, emphasizing diplomatic commitment and strengthening security and defense cooperation.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kemp said the crew was eager to go to Vietnam, a place most had never been to.

"Everyone was excited to hear that we would be coming here. European navies don't often get the chance to visit Vietnam. We look forward to seeing the city, meeting the people, enjoying the food and experiencing the local culture," he said.

During the visit, the crew of HMS Richmond will meet with representatives of the armed forces, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, welcome guests to visit the ship and play volleyball with the Vietnamese navy.

Mr. Kemp expressed regret for not being able to come to Ho Chi Minh City in time for the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day.

He emphasized: "Vietnam and the UK are both maritime trading nations, dependent on the sea. Vietnam's maritime security also affects the UK. Freedom of navigation, especially in the East Sea, is an important issue for both sides. We can share information and experience in this area."

Some pictures of the tour of the HMS Richmond:

Lieutenant Colonel Phan Anh Tuan, Deputy Brigade Commander of Brigade 125, Naval Region 2, presided over the welcoming ceremony for the HMS Richmond - Photo: NGOC DUC

The crew of the HMS Richmond paid a courtesy call to the soldiers of Naval Region 2 - Photo: NGOC DUC

Captain Richard Kemp received flowers on behalf of the crew - Photo: NGOC DUC

On the afternoon of September 22, the British Navy ship HMS Richmond docked at Nha Rong port, beginning a visit to Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: HUU HANH

The crew of the HMS Richmond led representatives of the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the press on a visit to the ship - Photo: HUU HANH

Combat helicopters equipped on board - Photo: HUU HANH

The press delegation and the British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City visited the HMS Richmond ship on the afternoon of September 22 - Photo: HUU HANH

The captain of the HMS Richmond introduces the ship's cockpit - Photo: HUU HANH

Sailors of the HMS Richmond perform observation duties from the ship's cockpit - Photo: HUU HANH

Ho Chi Minh City leaders receive captain of HMS Richmond

Standing Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Tho received Captain of HMS Richmond, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kemp - Photo: HUU HANH

On the afternoon of September 22, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Tho received Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kemp, captain of the HMS Richmond, and British Ambassador to Vietnam Ian Frew.

Mr. Tho said: "On behalf of the leaders of Ho Chi Minh City, I highly appreciate the visit and exchange today. This is also an occasion to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership."

He thanked the British Government and Embassy for supporting the city in the past time, especially in sharing experiences in building an international financial center.

In response, Lieutenant Colonel Kemp recalled the visit to Ho Chi Minh City in 2021 of the HMS Richmond, but that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic so the crew had little opportunity to experience it. This time, he was very happy to return.

On the way from the sea to the city, Mr. Kemp was impressed by the scenery along the Saigon River, from rural to urban areas. He hopes to have many opportunities to exchange and cooperate with Vietnamese partners during this visit.

NGOC DUC

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tau-hai-quan-anh-hms-richmond-tro-lai-tp-hcm-sau-4-nam-20250922180348669.htm