Australian Royal Navy ship visits Seychelles |26 June 2015

An Australian Royal Navy ship, HMAS Newcastle, is on a goodwill visit in Seychelles.

HMAS Newcastle, which arrived in Seychelles yesterday, is one of four Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigates (FFG) in service with the Royal Australian Navy. The Adelaide Class is based on the US Navy – Oliver Hazard Perry Design. Newcastle is the youngest of the four frigates and was constructed in Williamstown, Victoria with all previous class modifications incorporated.
HMAS Newcastle and her three sister ships were the first Royal Australian Navy ships to be powered by gas turbines.

During their visit to Seychelles, the crew of HMAS Newcastle will take part in a friendly football match with officers of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. The match will take place today starting at 9am at the Astroturf at Roche Caïman.

There will also be a community outreach activity organised at the President’s Village tomorrow from 9am to 3pm, where crew members will carry out paint and maintenance works at the village.  

“I am delighted to be in Seychelles for HMAS Newcastle’s visit which also coincides with the Seychelles National Day celebrations. I look forward to attending the football match at the Astroturf and visiting the President’s Village, and encourage football enthusiasts to attend the match,” said Australian high commissioner Susan Coles.  

“We are also pleased and honoured that an Australian contingent will take part in the Seychelles National Day parade,” she added.