‘Overwhelming’ reception for Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Spey on her second visit to Vietnam

A welcome ceremony by military leaders, civic dignitaries and enthusiastic residents of Ho Chi Minh City heralded the beginning of Spey’s second visit to the southeast Asian country – to reinforce growing military and economic ties between nations more than 5,500 miles apart.

“It was a bit overwhelming coming into harbour and being received by all the dignitaries waving their flags, but it was a great experience,” said coxswain’s assistant Able Seaman Huxley, who is on her inaugural deployment with the navy; the 700-mile passage from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City was her first time at sea.

The ship’s visit came on the heels of the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and Vietnam.

The Rt Hon. Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Officer, was in the country and visited HMS Spey to understand how Operation Highwall’s objectives align with the partnership, focusing on stability in the Indo Pacific Region.

A demonstration reception aboard HMS Spey – against the stunning, glitzy backdrop of modern-day Ho Chi Minh City – brought together the UK’s Ambassador to Hanoi, Iain Frew, and Vietnamese military and political leaders plus leading local figures keen to promote Anglo-Viet relations and maritime ties.

“HMS Spey’s visit reflects the strength and breadth of the UK – Vietnam relationship,” Mr Frew told guests. “Maritime cooperation is an important part of our growing defence partnership, supporting the exchange of expertise and closer links between our armed forces.

“The visit also creates valuable connections between our sailors, students and communities, showing that our partnership is built not only between governments, but also between people.”

There followed a varied programme of professional, diplomatic and community engagement, including discussions and joint training with the Vietnam People’s Navy, focusing on areas such as search and rescue, navigation and maritime cooperation.

many of the 50-strong ship’s company the most rewarding aspect of the visit was the chance to show local youngsters around the 2,000-tonne warship. Athletically-minded sailors took on their hosts at football and volleyball, but for

Children from the British International School in Ho Chi Minh City and the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, a UK charity which supports impoverished Vietnamese youngsters/young people aged five to 21, were shown around the bridge, grappled with fire-fighting kit and were shown medical equipment and sick bay.

The charity has been involved in every visit by a Royal Navy warship to Ho Chi Minh City for the past 30 years and repaid Spey’s hospitality by inviting the sailors to its headquarters in the city, with the guests donating to help the foundation continue its vital work.

“Working with the children from the local school and the charity was my personal highlight of the visit,” Able Seaman Huxley said.

“It was a rewarding opportunity to give back and to share what we do with the local children.

“This is also the second country that I’ve visited outside of Europe, and it’s been fantastic. The Vietnamese people have been really welcoming and we’ve had a good amount of down time to explore the city and take in the culture. Being in Vietnam provided the unique opportunity to get to explore the shops and to get five tailored dresses made.”

Lieutenant Commander Helen Taylor, Spey’s Executive Officer, said the ship’s time in Vietnam had been positive on every level.

She continued: “HMS Spey’s last visit was in 2023 and after three years, it’s very pleasing to see our bilateral ties, especially on maritime security, as strong as ever.