Aussie warships visit Ujungpandang

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The guided missile frigates HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Canberra are currently here on a four-day goodwill and operational stopover, Antara reported yesterday.

Mayor Malik B. Masry yesterday received the commanders of the two warships, Capt. Raydon W. Gates, CSM, RAN, and Commander Matt J. Tripovich, CSC, RAN respectively. Each ship have a crew of around 180 personnel.

The commanders told the mayor they were impressed by the beauty of the beach at Ujungpandang, whose port will soon be developed into the largest in eastern Indonesia.

The Australian embassy's release said that the visit, to conclude today, is the first for many of the ships' personnel. Activities prepared for the guests include diving and visits to places of historical and recreational interest in the areas. (swe)