The UK warship HMS Spey docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) from September 24-26 for two days of joint training exercises with the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN). - Photo: Supplied
PHNOM PENH: The UK warship HMS Spey made its second visit to Cambodia this week, docking at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) for two days of joint training exercises with the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN).
The visit marks a continuation of the growing defence relationship between the United Kingdom and Cambodia, according to a press release on Friday (Sept 27) from the British embassy in Cambodia.
Led by Commander Paul Caddy, the crew conducted training sessions with 30 officers from the RCN on September 24 and 26. The exercises covered a range of topics including navigation, man-overboard procedures and firefighting techniques.
“Bilateral training serials such as those we have conducted with the RCN are invaluable for shared learning and strengthen the growing partnership between the UK and Cambodian armed forces,” Caddy was quoted as saying in the release.
British ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams expressed enthusiasm for the expanding defence ties between the two nations.
Reflecting on the progress since the ship’s last visit in 2023, Williams said, “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 two-day training programme featured navigation theory and man-overboard exercises using the ship’s seaboat, as well as first aid and casualty rescue drills.
The release noted that the session on September 26 focused on damage control and culminated in a comprehensive firefighting exercise. Commodore Nguon Oudum, deputy commander of Ream Naval Base, observed the exercises and highlighted the value of the collaboration.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Royal Navy whilst HMS Spey is alongside in Sihanoukville,” he said, adding that the RCN looks forward to future visits to continue the valuable exchange of knowledge and skills.
In addition to the training exercises, the visit also included social events designed to foster camaraderie between the two navies. Both teams participated in a friendly football match on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a social gathering aboard the ship.
The event was attended by senior officers from the navy and the Royal Cambodian Air Force, Army and Gendarmerie, with General Yun Min as the guest of honour. The evening concluded with a ceremonial sunset, honouring a longstanding naval tradition.
According to the release, the visit of HMS Spey follows significant milestones in UK-Cambodia defence relations, including the appointment of the first British defence attaché to Cambodia in decades and the first-ever Cambodian cadet graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).
As the UK seeks to expand its partnerships within Asean and the broader Indo-Pacific region, cooperation with Cambodia in areas such as trade, education and climate change continues to develop alongside defence initiatives, the release noted. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
