Lincoln Hosts Brunei Military Leaders

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hosted 16 guests from Brunei while underway Feb. 22, including senior military and government leadership, media reporters, and U.S. Embassy representatives, during a visit to reinforce the partnership the U.S. shares with its 7th Fleet partner.

The guests were greeted by Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, before attending a formal lunch followed by a full day of tours, discussion forums, a personal briefing by strike group aviators, and interaction with the ship's crew.

Deputy Minister of Defense Dato Paduka Mustappa Sirat was the senior member of the delegation, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Haji Shofry Hj Abdul Ghafor, Permanent Secretary Pengiran Datin Masrainah, Commander of the Joint Operations Center Col. Aziz Tamit, five others from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, four members of the media, and three members of the Embassy staff.

The Brunei delegation was briefed on the ship's defense capabilities while visiting the combat direction center. They then toured the ship's bridge and hangar bays, saw an F/A-18 Super Hornet close-up, and had the opportunity to observe flight operations from the flight deck.

"My favorite part of the trip was being on the flight deck," said Senior Superintendent Amiruddin bin Haji Junaidi, head of the Brunei Marine Police. "The rolling, vibrations and action was exhilarating and the professional coordination of all the people and aircraft was very exciting to watch. I can't wait to tell my family and friends about my experience on board the Lincoln."

The U.S. and Brunei have a long established military relationship, to include joint exercises and training evolutions. The purpose of this visit was for Lincoln to showcase firsthand what capabilities it offers to help maintain stability and security in the region, in a multinational effort to promote peace and prosperity.

"This was a tremendous opportunity for us to see the ship," said Lt. Col. Ghani bin Haji Abdullah, Royal Brunei Land Forces chief of staff. "It is amazing to see all of the ship's potential in supporting all the Sailors and their missions."

"It was a trip we will never soon forget, and we must emphasize the importance of your presence in our region," Mustappa said.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.

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