UK patrol ship HMS Spey, led by female commander, on week-long visit to Ho Chi Minh City

The HMS Spey will stay in the city until October 28, with activities including naval exchanges, cultural engagements and charitable initiatives.

A welcoming ceremony at the port was attended by Colonel Pham Tien Dung, deputy chief of staff of Vietnam's Naval Region 2 Command, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith and other officials from both countries.

Addressing the ceremony, Taylor said the visit offered an opportunity to strengthen naval cooperation and exchanges between the two countries.

Taylor expressed her pleasure at visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, adding that this is the HMS Spey's second port call to the city, following its first visit in 2023.

During the week-long visit, the ship's command team will pay courtesy calls on Ho Chi Minh City leaders, the Military Region 7 Command and the Naval Region 2 Command.

The crew is also scheduled to engage with local schools and participate in charity events.

Joint naval exchanges, including training activities, will also be part of the visit, Taylor said.

The HMS Spey is a second-generation River-class offshore patrol vessel commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2021.

Measuring about 90 meters long, the vessel is designed for patrol, surveillance and maritime security missions.

According to the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the ship is deployed long-term in the Indo-Pacific region, working with regional partners on maritime border patrols, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries protection and counterterrorism.

The vessel also takes part in international exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, while promoting cooperation with regional navies, including the Vietnam People's Navy.