In order to ensure territorial maritime stability, security and prosperity, The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is looking forward to support and enhance the cooperation with its Malaysian counterparts, namely the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
“We are stronger together, it has never been more true. So, it’s an opportunity to continue the partnership in the future whether in search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, law enforcement or logistic support for small boats and ships. I’m looking forward to have an engagement with the Malaysian coast guard and navy. With some expertise and knowledge that we have, we hope it will benefit and add interest to both of our Malaysian partners,” said USCG Pacific Area Commander Vice Admiral Linda L. Fagan.
The two-day MTA Malaysia 2019 that kicked off at 14th August is a joint training activity demonstrating the commitment of the US Coast Guard and Malaysian navy as well as MMEA, and in deploying learned techniques and tactics while operating jointly at sea.
Vice Admiral Dato’ Aris Adi Tan Bin Abdullah, commander of Royal Malaysian Navy Western Fleet, said the conduct of this MTA is significant because in addition to the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy, it is the first time this exercise has involved the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard. “It also provides better opportunity for both navies and coast guards to exchange knowledge and thoughts while developing a mutual understanding,” he said.
This year’s exercise will feature hundreds of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from both nations who will come together throughout 5 days of at-sea and onshore training designed to enhance naval interoperability.
At-sea, participants will engage in hands-on training in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), mobile dive and salvage, a gunnery exercise, maritime patrol operations and Replenishment at-sea. Onshore, there will be subject matter exchanges in aviation, woman’s leadership, damage control, military law, public affairs, and medicine.
Additionally, sports exchanges and community outreach events are scheduled to be held throughout the duration of the exercise in local schools and community centers as well as joint band performances at multiple venues by the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Band and the Malaysian Navy Band.
Participants :
U.S. assets participating in MTA Malaysia will feature The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752), Safeguard-class salvage ship USNS Salvor (ARS 52), expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit 1, an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. In addition, the U.S. will be supported by the U.S. 7th Fleet Band.
Royal Malaysian Navy assets include Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu (F30) and Kasturi-class corvette KD Kasturi (FSG 25), RMN Diving Unit, CB90 fast assault craft, a Super Lynx helicopter and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) vessel KM Marlin.
