USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN MAKES HISTORIC RETURN TO MALAYSIA, STRENGTHENING US-MALAYSIA PARTNERSHIP

PORT KLANG, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) made a historic return to Malaysian shores, arriving at Port Klang on Saturday after 12 years.

In a statement, Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs said the visit, the first by a US aircraft carrier to Malaysia since 2012, highlights the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the two countries, rooted in close people-to-people, economic, and security ties.

The Abraham Lincoln arrived Saturday morning for the second scheduled port call on its 2024 deployment.

US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said the historic visit reaffirms Malaysia’s importance to the United States (US).

“It highlights our shared commitment to regional stability and Malaysian sovereignty, providing an invaluable opportunity for collaboration between our navies and key leaders,” he said in a statement.

Prior to pulling into Port Klang, Abraham Lincoln hosted Malaysia distinguished visitors including officials and media who toured the ship, observed flight operations, and engaged with US Navy Sailors.

While in port, the Abraham Lincoln will also host Malaysian leaders for exclusive tours, further strengthening bilateral ties.

“Our visit to Kuala Lumpur is important to the US Navy. It is the first time an aircraft carrier has visited in 12 years,” said Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3.

“I deeply value the opportunity to strengthen the US and Malaysian partnership while providing an opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to experience the amazing city of Kuala Lumpur.”

More than 4,200 Sailors and Marines stationed aboard Abraham Lincoln will enjoy the culture and history of the country.

During their time in Malaysia, Abraham Lincoln crew members will have the opportunity to tour the local area through tours and conduct community relations (COMREL) projects where Sailors will volunteer at local soup kitchens, senior citizen’s and children’s homes.

Commanding Officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Capt. Pete Riebe, expressed his enthusiasm for taking time in-port to explore Malaysia's rich history and culture, engage with local community groups, and welcome key Malaysian Navy and government officials aboard the Abraham Lincoln while in Port Klang.

 "On behalf of the Abraham Lincoln crew, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for welcoming the Abraham Lincoln with such warmth and enthusiasm," he said

 The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Three and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine, integrated air and missile defense Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and Destroyer Squadron 21’s USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. conducted a port call to Singapore, while USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) ported in Thailand, demonstrating the inherent flexibility of a carrier strike group.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

CVW-9 is comprised of nine aircraft squadrons representing over 70 aircraft aboard Abraham Lincoln: two helicopter squadrons operating the MH-60R & MH-60S Seahawk; three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons; one EA-18G Growler squadron; one US Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II squadron; E-2D advance Hawkeye airborne early warning squadron; and C-2 Greyhound for carrier logistics.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the US 7th Fleet area of operations. US 7th Fleet is the US Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysian Navy, in a Facebook post, stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln, which arrived at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal, was welcomed by Rear Admiral Mohd Adzam Omar, the Senior Director of the Planning, Development, and Contingency Division, along with a delegation from the Naval Headquarters and the National Hydrographic Centre.

Also in attendance was the United States Defence Attaché to Malaysia, Captain Pasit Somboonpakron.

The USS Abraham Lincoln will remain in Malaysia until November 27.

--BERNAMA