PORT KLANG: The United States Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, made its port call in Malaysia here today.
This visit by the largest warship in the world comes just over a month after the USS Abraham Lincoln made a similar stop in Malaysia.
Carrier Strike Group One (CSG-1) commander, Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, said this year marks the 10th anniversary of the US-Malaysia partnership.
Wosje said the decade-long security and military cooperation between the two nations reinforces their shared commitment to prosperity, security, and peace in the region.
"In addition to our shared goals, visiting Malaysia provides us with a unique opportunity to collaborate with our Royal Malaysian Navy counterparts. This visit allows us to build upon our strategic and mutually beneficial partnership while also giving our sailors much-deserved rest and relaxation, as they explore the rich cultural offerings of Kuala Lumpur and strengthen connections within the local community," he said in a press conference after a media tour of the ship at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal here today.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside the Royal Malaysian Navy and reiterated his commitment to deepening ties through joint exercises.
The US and Malaysia cooperate closely on security matters, including counter-terrorism, maritime domain awareness, and regional stability, and participate frequently in bilateral and multilateral training, exercises, and visits.
The ship's commanding officer, Captain Matthew Thomas, extended his heartfelt appreciation to the people of Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for their warm hospitality following the aircraft carrier's arrival in Malaysia.
"We are delighted to welcome Malaysian Navy and government officials aboard Vinson, and we are grateful for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of Malaysia," he said.
While in Malaysia, the nearly 7,500 sailors from CSG-1 will participate in cultural exchanges, community relations events, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR)-sponsored tours to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
During the tour, the media were shown the ship's expansive flight deck, home to over 60 aircraft, as well as its canteen and medical facilities.
The USS Carl Vinson will remain in Port Klang for several days before continuing its operations in the region.
The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the US Seventh Fleet area of operations.
It 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.
Commissioned in 1982, the world's largest warship stands 244 feet tall from keel to mast, roughly equivalent to a 24-story building and houses more than 5,000 personnel, including the air wing.
The US established diplomatic relations with Malaysia in 1957 following Malaysia's independence from the United Kingdom, elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in April 2014.