This is the first time Royal Malaysian Navy participated in the joint military exercise involving armed forces and navy held once every two years. Western Armada Commander Vice Admiral Mohamad Roslan Mohamad Ramli said US, Australia, Canada and Vietnam take part in the three-month long military exercise from 26 May to 3 Aug. 

He said KD LIKIU and 150 navy officers on board would sail to the Pacific Ocean to meet 52 military fleets, five submarines, 19 military troops, 29 maritime patrol aircrafts, 200 units of fighter jets and helicopters as well as 25,000 military personnel participating in the exercise. 

“Commander Sulaiman leads our navy team. The exercise will be held in three phases: driving into ports, consolidation of military power and military training on the sea. The military officers would have the opportunity to show their skills and also to interact with their counterparts from other countries,” he said.

Admiral Mohamad Roslan later took KD LIKIU to tour Straits of Dindings with navy officers and US Ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir