Sihanoukville (FN), Sep. 27 – UK warship, HMS SPEY visited Cambodia’s Sihanoukville port this week, where she took part in two days of joint training exercises with the Royal Cambodian Navy.
Commander Paul Caddy, commanding officer of HMS Spey, led his crew in hosting 30 officers from the Royal Cambodian Navy for drills on Tuesday (Sep 24) and Thursday (Sep 26). The exercises covered navigation, man-overboard procedures, firefighting techniques, and more. “Bilateral training serials such as those we have conducted with the Royal Cambodian Navy are invaluable for shared learning and strengthen the growing partnership between the UK and Cambodian armed forces,” said Cdr. Caddy.
Dominic Williams, British Ambassador to Cambodia said ‘When I last stood on HMS Spey’s deck in Sihanoukville on Valentine’s Day 2023, we were flush with the excitement of a new and blossoming defence relationship. We had appointed the first British DA in decades in 2022; HMS Spey was the first British ship to visit in 65 years; and at that time the first Cambodian ever was studying at the UK’s elite officer academy, Sandhurst. More than one and a half years on, we remain passionate about our defence relationship with Cambodia and I was delighted to welcome the return of HMS Spey as a sign of our enduring commitment.
The UK sees Cambodia as an important partner within ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific region and we are expanding our cooperation in many sectors, from trade to education to climate change. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership together in the years ahead.’
Tuesday’s training included navigation theory and man-overboard exercises using HMS Spey's seaboat, alongside first aid and casualty rescue serials. The cooperation extended to damage control and firefighting drills on Thursday, culminating in a firefighting exercise.
Commodore Nguon Oudum, Deputy Commander of Ream Naval Base, observed Thursday’s training and praised the collaboration. He said “we are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Royal Navy whilst HMS SPEY is alongside in Sihanoukville.
This is the second visit SPEY has made to Cambodia in as many years. We welcome frequent future visits by the Royal Navy to Cambodia so we may continue to conduct training exercises together, learning from each other’s experience and growing the friendship between our two navies.
We wish Commander Caddy and HMS SPEY ship’s company health, success and safety for your mission and we look forward to receiving you again in 2025.”
Away from the intense training both navies found time to engage in social activities. On Wednesday afternoon both navies met up to play a friendly football match. Later that evening, HMS Spey opened her gangway to senior officers from the Royal Cambodian Navy, Royal Cambodian Airforce, Army, and Gendarmerie for a social event. General Yun Min was the guest of honour, with Rear Admiral Mey Dina, Ream Naval Base Commander and Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Mang Sineth also in attendance. The evening culminated in a ceremonial sunset, a time-honoured naval tradition.
HMS SPEY’s second visit to Sihanoukville is part of a growing defence relationship between the UK and Cambodia. Last year saw the first Cambodian graduate from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the UK’s training establishment for army officers.
=FRESH NEWS
