Vietnam participates in ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise in Indonesia
WVR - On December 10, the second ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX-2) commenced on Batam Island, Indonesia. Vessel 09 from Brigade 171, along with the delegation from the Vietnam People's Navy, participated in the exercise.
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| The Vietnamese delegation poses for a commemorative photo with representatives from Indonesia and the U.S. at the event. Photo: Minh Thai - VNA Correspondent in Indonesia. |
The exercise, taking place from December 9-13, reaffirms the partnership between ASEAN and the U.S., with a shared vision towards a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Tri Budi Utomo, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, stated that AUMX-2 is not merely about naval activities but also an opportunity for navies to build trust and understanding, share knowledge, and enhance collaboration. Through these activities, countries affirm their joint commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Rear Admiral Katie F. Sheldon, Deputy Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, emphasized that the U.S. is committed to cooperating with ASEAN, supporting ASEAN's central role, and jointly promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The participating countries aim to foster a stronger, safer, and more prosperous ASEAN, including security cooperation against transnational crime, terrorism, and extremism; disaster management, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping operations, and maritime security and stability.
From December 9-13, the ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise features a wide range of activities, including maritime exercises, formation maneuvers; simple signal communication drills, semaphore, flag, and light signaling; drills on ship survivability; and rescue, search, and medical aid at sea. Additionally, there are scenario workshops, expert seminars, sports, and cultural exchanges.
Vietnam is actively participating in all activities to enhance organizational, command, and coordination capabilities, mastering technical weaponry, and gaining experience in international events.
Colonel Pham Tien Dung, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 2, stated that participating in these activities will enhance the coordination and combat readiness of the Vietnam Navy, preparing them to handle maritime situations within the allowed scope and fostering international cooperation to advance the skills of the Vietnam Navy and sailors in international collaboration.
Rear Admiral Nguyen Thien Quan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Vietnam People's Navy, emphasized that the Vietnam People's Navy is participating in this exercise with high responsibility, alongside ASEAN and the U.S., to promote peace, stability, friendship, and development in the Asia-Pacific region in general and between ASEAN and the U.S. in particular, creating strategic trust for mutual development.
Participation in this activity also affirms Vietnam's independent and self-reliant foreign policy, advocating for multilateral and diversified relations, while demonstrating Vietnam's active and responsible role in the initiatives set forth by the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM ).
