Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide-class frigate HMAS Darwin recently sailed into the Sattahip Naval Base, Thailand.
While in Thailand, three crew from the Australian Navy warship, which is currently enroute to Operation MANITOU in the Middle East, took the opportunity to ‘cross-deck’ onto His Majesty’s Thai Ship Sukhothai while three of their members joined Darwin.
The opportunity was also taken for some formation sailing and communication exercises, concluding with a farewell manoeuvre by Sukhothai.
On arrival for the five day visit, the Australians were welcomed by a formation of Royal Thai Navy sailors and the Thai Navy Band playing some familiar Aussie tunes.
Darwin’s Commanding Officer, Commander Phillip Henry, was greeted by Captain Chaloemporn and presented with a ceremonial lei.
For many of Darwin’s crew, this was their first overseas port visit to a country.
Another highlight for the crew was having lunch prepared for them by the head chef of the Pattaya Marriot Hotel, with the crew enjoying a feast of traditional Thai dishes.
HMAS Darwin is currently transiting via South East Asia to the Middle East (Operation MANITOU) as part of the 62nd rotation of Royal Australian Navy units to the region since 1990. This will be Darwin’s seventh deployment to the Middle East.
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