PORT KLANG: The United States Navy (USN) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) arrived at Port Klang today after spending more than 100 days at sea.
Pulling into the Port Klang Cruise Terminal at around 9am, the ship's arrival was greeted by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Planning, Development and Contingency Division senior director First Admiral Mohd Adzam Omar and the RMN brass band.
USN Carrier Strike Group Three (CSG-3) commander Rear Admiral Adan Cruz said that Malaysia and the US shared a robust partnership across various sectors, including defence, economic and diplomatic ties.
"This relationship is founded on mutual trust, respect and shared values. As maritime nations, both our countries rely on the sea for security and economic prosperity.
"We also share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and we aim to continue strengthening our cooperation in the future," he told reporters at a press conference here.
Cruz also said the port call would see meetings with representatives from the Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry
"I'll also be meeting with my counterpart from the Royal Malaysian Navy today to discuss interactions and collaborations," he said.
He also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, adding that the sailors onboard were eager to explore the local cuisine, culture and hospitality of Kuala Lumpur.
The visit to Port Klang marked the second time the USS Abraham Lincoln visited the country, the first being in 2010.
Meanwhile, the carrier's commanding officer Captain Pete Riebe said among the activities included in the ship's visit were community relations (Comrel) projects by sailors.
"In addition to leisure activities, we have organised several volunteer opportunities and community outreach events.
"These include visiting schools, assisting at elderly care facilities and participating in prayers at mosques," he said.
Riebe said these engagements would allow the USN to connect with the local community and demonstrate their appreciation for Malaysian hospitality.
"We have also planned various tours for the crew, such as 4x4 adventures, ATV rides and trips to Batu Caves, among others.
"The sailors and Marines are particularly excited about experiencing Malaysia's renowned hospitality and food. Many have expressed enthusiasm for trying nasi lemak, a famous Malaysian dish that we've heard so much about," he said.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named after the 16th US president.
Commissioned in 1989, it is among the most advanced warships in the world, measuring over 330 metres in length and housing more than 5,000 personnel, including sailors and Marines.
The ship also became famous after it was recently featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, with Tom Cruise playing the lead.