USS America calls at Sepanggar base

KOTA KINABALU: The USS America (LHA-6), an amphibious assault ship of the United States navy, along with the US's 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit called at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base in Teluk Sepanggar near here today.
Its commanding officer, Captain Joseph R. Olson, who leads a 2,500-member crew, said the visit was to learn about Malaysia and RMN as part of operations to build ties in the Pacific for regional stability.
"Our visit is to learn more about each other and have mutual exchanges with the Malaysian navy on peace and security," he told reporters here.
He said they were glad to be back at sea and working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Marines of the 15th MEU in continuing to refine all aspects of amphibious capability and engage with partner nations in the Pacific.
Olson said during the visit, they would be hosting tours of the ship, as well as enjoying the sites of the city.
"The crew will also share experiences to develop closer ties among the two navies," he said.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by USS America public affairs unit said it is an aviation-centric amphibious ship that provides forward presence and power projection as an integral part of joint, inter-agency and multinational maritime expeditionary force.
"As the next generation 'big deck', USS America is optimised for Marine Corps aviation, capable of supporting current future aircraft such as MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter," it said. – Bernama