USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Arrives at Port Klang, Malaysia for First U.S. Carrier Visit in 12 years

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The United States Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), made a port call at Port Klang today, marking its first visit to Malaysia since 2012.

The visit aims to strengthen ties between Kuala Lumpur and Washington.

“This historic visit underscores Malaysia’s importance to the United States,” said U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan, as quoted by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), an agency under the U.S. Department of Defense.

“It highlights our shared commitment to regional stability and Malaysia’s sovereignty while offering a valuable opportunity for collaboration between our navies and key leaders.”

Before arriving at Port Klang, USS Abraham Lincoln hosted distinguished Malaysian officials and media representatives who toured the ship, observed flight operations, and engaged with U.S. Navy personnel.

While docked at Port Klang, the aircraft carrier will also host exclusive tours for Malaysian leaders, further solidifying bilateral ties between Kuala Lumpur and Washington.

“Our visit to Kuala Lumpur is significant for the U.S. Navy, marking the first aircraft carrier visit to Malaysia in 12 years,” said Rear Admiral Adan Cruz, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3.

“I deeply value this opportunity to strengthen U.S.-Malaysia relations while allowing our sailors and marines to experience the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur.”

More than 4,200 sailors and marines aboard USS Abraham Lincoln are set to explore Malaysia’s rich culture and history.

During their stay, crew members will participate in local tours and engage in community relations (COMREL) projects, including volunteering at soup kitchens, senior citizen homes, and children’s centers.

“On behalf of the USS Abraham Lincoln crew, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for the warm and enthusiastic welcome,” said Captain Pete Riebe, commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group comprises:  the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, as well as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), USS Spruance (DDG 111), and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) under Destroyer Squadron 21.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. recently made a port call in Singapore, while USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) docked in Thailand, showcasing the inherent flexibility of a carrier strike group.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations, supporting global maritime security efforts.

CVW-9 consists of nine aircraft squadrons with more than 70 aircraft aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, including two helicopter squadrons operating the MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk, three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, an EA-18G Growler electronic warfare squadron, a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II fifth-generation fighter squadron, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning squadron, and a C-2 Greyhound logistics squadron.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the largest forward-deployed fleet of the U.S. Navy, regularly engaging with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. – DSA