USS Boxer (LHD-4) arrives in Sepanggar RMN base

KOTA KINABALU: The United States forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, the USS Boxer (LHD-4) and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) today arrived at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base in Teluk Sepanggar, near here.
USS Boxer (LHD-4) Commanding Officer Captain Mike Ruth, who led a 2,700-member crew, said the visit was to learn about Malaysia and the RMN as part of operations to build ties in the pacific for regional stability.
"Our visit is to learn more about each other and have mutual exchanges with the Malaysian navy on peace and security," he told reporters here today.
He said they were glad to be back at sea and working shoulder to shoulder with the marines of the 13th MEU in continuing to refine all aspects of amphibious capability and engage with partner nations in the Pacific.
Ruth said during the visit, its sailors and marines would be involved in various community service projects, hosting tours of the ship, as well as enjoying the sites of the city.
"The crew will also share experiences to develop closer ties among the two navies," he said.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by USS Boxer (LHD-4) public affairs unit said The 13th MEU, with USS Boxer (LHD-4), is capable of responding to different operational missions in locations all around the world.
"Aviation Combat Element Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 reinforced the aviation combat element provides the air combat power for the 13th MEU.
"Its arsenal includes the MV-22 Osprey, CH53E Super Stallion, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom Helicopters, as well as the AV-8B Harrier II+ jump jet," it said. — Bernama