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| Southeast Asia | |
| US aircraft carrier arrives in Port Klang for five-day visit | |
| 2004-09-02 | |
| KUALA LUMPUR - The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis sailed into Port Klang yesterday, in a move underlining the strong ties between the US and Malaysia. The nuclear-powered carrier was invited to the port by Kuala Lumpur despite the recent Malaysian protests against an American presence in the Malacca Strait. The visit reflects the US commitment to a 'loyal' friend, said Rear Admiral Patrick Walsh, commander of the carrier group. 'This is a visit for us for rest and recreation and to enjoy Malaysian culture. We are here by invitation,' he told the media. 'I hope this will be the first of many visits. This is an opportunity to really stand by a loyal, faithful partner and friend,' he said, after reporters and photographers toured the floating 'mini-city' of nearly 6,000 officers and sailors. He hosted a reception for some 400 Malaysian government and defence officials aboard the warship yesterday evening. The two countries will also hold a 'limited defence exercise' during the five-day visit, he said. Malaysian and Indonesian officials protested when suggestions were raised recently that the US help to boost security in the pirate-prone Malacca Strait to avert terrorist attacks. Malaysian officials said its territorial sovereignty would be compromised and it was worried that terrorists could be attracted to the region if US forces were present. The three littoral states - Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore - have since banded together to boost naval security in the Strait. Asked how he sees the US role in the strait, Rear-Adm Walsh said he recognised that 'sovereignty is a very important issue'. 'That is their right and they are in the best position to enforce their own security. Where we can help, we can build capacity and we can help with information and intelligence sharing,' he added.
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| Posted by:Steve White |
| #7 Just about right Zenster. But what it really means is: Remember to get off our ocean when we ask. This is rule one, technically known of course as Rule Britania. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-09-02 6:05:25 PM |
| #6 Not one joke about a place called "Port Klang"? |
| Posted by: Chuck Simmins 2004-09-02 11:33:50 AM |
| #5 I dunno, I think that the only reason that places like Malaysia and Singapore get any attention is because some American companies have manufacturing facilities there (my employer included). Absent that, what else is there? (note how little Rangoon is ever mentioned) |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2004-09-02 11:05:32 AM |
| #4 Actually, I like that we have the nads to park it in Klang. Malaysia is full of seethers, and stopping by here sends a strong message about our confidence in our ability to defend this asset, and our confidence in the Malay government, who despite their ranting about the joos are firmly in our court when it comes to seethers who take up arms. |
| Posted by: longtime lurker 2004-09-02 4:55:51 AM |
| #3 In terms of current technology, a nuclear powered flat-top pretty much heads the list when it comes to projecting power. Mind you, precision guided hypersonic missile-delivered warheads may effectively supplant the aircraft carrier, but until then I'm perfectly happy with our military sending such an unmistakable message to everyone in the region. That one boat probably has sufficient combined weaponry to reduce all of the "littoral states" to smoking ruins in a 24 hour period. The entire carried battle group most certainly does. I like the warm fuzzy feeling that gives me, yes indeed I do. |
| Posted by: Zenster 2004-09-02 4:22:47 AM |
| #2 Being hung from the yardarm of a carrier must be a high honor from a pirate. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-09-02 3:59:57 AM |
| #1 Showing the Flag, the Brits used to call it. When you care enough to send the very best... |
| Posted by: mojo 2004-09-02 12:51:47 AM |