By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica Bidwell
Commander Task Force 73 Public Affairs
LANGKAWI, Malaysia - The guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur arrived in Langkawi, Malaysia, to represent the U.S. Navy at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition 2011, Dec. 6.
Curtis Wilbur joined more than 36 warships and vessels from 30 countries for LIMA ’11, which is billed as the premier defense and enforcement exposition in Southeast Asia. The exhibition will draw in senior civilian and uniformed leaders from more than a dozen regional countries.
The senior U.S. Navy representative at LIMA ’11 is Vice Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, who met with several naval delegations and participated in a chiefs of the navy roundtable discussion. Throughout the week, Rear Adm. Tom Carney, commander of Task Force 73, will join Swift to conduct other office calls and interactions with dozens of foreign dignitaries.
After Curtis Wilbur’s arrival, the ship hosted a large reception in the evening for hundreds of visitors, who received a tour of the guided-missile destroyer’s spaces.
“We are privileged to receive the opportunity to represent 7th Fleet to the Royal Malaysian navy,” said the Curtis Wilbur’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Chris Monroe. “Working with the RMN and our partners allows us to further our friendships, while also giving the crew a chance to see this great country first hand.”
The U.S. Navy and other services will showcase aircraft and warships via static displays and demonstrations, exhibiting a snapshot of the diverse inventory of the U.S. military. Exhibitions such as LIMA ‘11 provide an ideal forum for countries to share capabilities, and form relationships that ultimately contribute to increased interoperability between the U.S. other countries’ navies.
“This visit represents an opportunity for the crew of Curtis Wilbur to represent the U.S. in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” Monroe said.” It demonstrates U.S. commitment to existing regional partnerships while fostering emerging relationships here.”