KUCHING: Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) Joint Force Commander Lt Gen Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zuki officially launched the 2019 Pacific Partnership Exercise (Ex-PP19) between the ATM and the United States Navy at the Pending Port here, on Saturday.
Also present at the launch of the fourth edition of the two-week exercise were US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Thompson Dean and Mission Commander Pacific Partnership 2019 Captain Randy Van Rossum.
The US expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River, carrying more than 100 officers and personnel, arrived here two days ago in advance of Ex-PP19.
Suhaimi said 150 ATM officers and personnel are involved in the exercise, which is being held in Kuching for the second time. It was previously held in Sabah and Kuantan, Pahang.
He added that the majority of officers and personnel involved in this year’s exercise are from the medical division, as the focus is on planning for possible natural disasters and humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, Thompson and Randy thanked the ATM for their excellent cooperation.
Thompson said the exercise is aimed at preparing for disasters, strengthening military cooperation between the two countries and the public, exchanging knowledge and expertise, as well as strengthening regional security, stability and friendship across the Indo-Pacific region.