U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Visits Malaysia For First Time In 12 Years To Build Naval Ties

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, arrived in Port Klang, Malaysia, on November 23, 2024. This is the first U.S. aircraft carrier visit to Malaysia in 12 years.

U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan says the visit reflects the shared commitment of both countries to regional stability.

Rear Admiral Adan Cruz, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, described the visit as an important step in building stronger naval ties and mutual understanding.

Before the ship docked at Port Klang, Malaysian officials and media visited the USS Abraham Lincoln to tour the vessel, observe flight operations, and interact with crew members.

During the port call, the carrier also hosted Malaysian naval and government leaders to strengthen bilateral relations.

Over 4,200 sailors and Marines from the carrier are interacting with the local community. They have opportunities to explore Malaysia’s culture and history through organised tours and community service projects.

These include volunteering at soup kitchens and assisting in senior citizen and children’s homes. Captain Pete Riebe, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Malaysia.

The last U.S. carrier visits to Malaysia were in October 2012, involving the USS George Washington and USS John C. Stennis.

The hiatus followed the “Fat Leonard” scandal, in which Malaysian contractor Leonard Francis provided bribes to U.S. Navy personnel to gain lucrative contracts. Francis was arrested in 2013 and sentenced to prison in November 2024.

The return of U.S. carriers to Malaysian ports shows a renewed focus on collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, as tensions with China grow.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group includes the USS Abraham Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9), Destroyer Squadron 21, and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers- USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), USS Spruance (DDG 111), and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

Other ships in the strike group are actively involved in regional engagements. The USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. recently visited Singapore, while the USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy docked in Thailand.

The USS Carl Vinson and its strike group including the USS Princeton and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Sterett and USS William P. Lawrence, followed the USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Malaysia.

Nearly 7,500 sailors participated in cultural exchanges and tours as part of these port calls.

Reference: U.S Embassy

Source: Maritime Shipping News