Malaysia Hosts Two U.S. Aircraft Carriers in One Month

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Approximately one month after the United States Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) made a port visit to Malaysia, another aircraft carrier from the global superpower has arrived in the country today.

This time, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), accompanied by other warships from the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and 7,500 U.S. Navy personnel, docked at Port Klang.

“Malaysia is a key partner for us (the United States) in the Indo-Pacific. Our visit underscores the importance of this cooperation to the United States,” said Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, Commander of Carrier Strike Group One (CSG-1) as reported by DVIDS today.

“Visiting Port Klang provides us with a critical and unique opportunity to engage with the Royal Malaysian Navy, continuing efforts to further strengthen the strategic partnership that benefits both sides,” he added.

Malaysia and the United States collaborate closely on security matters, including counter-terrorism, maritime domain awareness, and regional stability, and participate in bilateral and multilateral exercises.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan stated that the two U.S. aircraft carriers’ visits to Malaysia within the span of a month highlight the strength of security ties between the two nations.

“The consecutive visits of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and USS Abraham Lincoln to Malaysia underscore the depth and resilience of our security relationship—an enduring pillar of the U.S.-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership,” Kagan said.

“Building on decades of close cooperation, we continue to strengthen this security partnership and remain committed to working with Malaysia to advance our shared vision of a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

During their stay in Malaysia, nearly 7,500 sailors from Carrier Strike Group-One will participate in cultural exchanges, community service programs, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-sponsored tours aimed at enhancing mutual cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

“On behalf of America’s Favorite Aircraft Carrier, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the people of Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for welcoming the sailors of USS Carl Vinson with such enthusiasm and warm hospitality,” said Captain Matthew Thomas, Commanding Officer of USS Carl Vinson.

“We are honored to host Royal Malaysian Navy and government officials aboard Vinson and deeply value the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Malaysia’s rich history and culture.”

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group comprises the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) ONE staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) One, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Two, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

Carrier Air Wing Two consists of nine squadrons operating F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys, and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is currently operating within the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of operations.

The U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet of the United States Navy, regularly engaging and operating with allies and partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. – DSA