That is Blue Ridge’s first go to to Brunei since 2002.
“America and Brunei’s relationship has entered its fourth decade ready of energy and we proceed to construct our partnership by means of joint navy workout routines and engagements such because the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Coaching (SEACAT) and the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Coaching (CARAT),” stated the U.S. Ambassador to Brunei, Her Excellency Caryn McClelland. “The usBlue Ridge go to to Brunei right this moment is one other testomony to our exemplary cooperation based mostly on mutual need for the peace, safety, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific area,” she added.
Through the go to, which enhances the various bilateral navy cooperation actions performed by the U.S. Navy and Brunei, Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, performed talks with Ambassador McClelland, the Minister of Defence II, The Honorable Pehin Datu Lailaraja Main Normal (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Main Normal Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, and different key-leaders from Brunei.
“It was an absolute honor to go to Brunei Darussalam this previous week,” stated Thomas. “U.S.-Brunei protection cooperation has by no means been stronger. The U.S. Navy is grateful to have the chance to strengthen our friendship with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and our frequent understanding {that a} secure and safe maritime atmosphere fosters financial prosperity and regional safety for all nations.”
The U.S. Navy shares a deep historical past with Brunei. USS Structure made the primary go to to the nation in 1845. 5 years later, the U.S. and Brunei formalized relations with the signing of the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation.
Throughout a welcome ceremony held aboard Blue Ridge, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Dale Gregory, expressed his gratitude and need to proceed constructing upon the partnership. He additionally spoke to the historic tie between Brunei and the Blue Ridge, when his Majesty the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah made his first go to to a U.S. Navy ship in October 1985.
“The Blue Ridge and Brunei have a wealthy historical past reaching all the best way again to 1985,” stated Gregory. “It brings nice pleasure to be welcomed by this nice nation and proceed constructing upon and already fortified partnership, our shared imaginative and prescient on the worldwide rules-based order, and for peace and stability for a free and open Indo Pacific”.
Whereas in Brunei, Muslim Sailors had the chance to go to and pray at a neighborhood mosque for Friday prayers.
Blue Ridge Sailors additionally took half in a sports activities day with members of the Royal Brunei Navy, strengthening the bond between our service members and giving them an opportunity to work together.
“It was actually cool as a result of it’s one thing we are able to do coed whereas respecting their cultural and spiritual practices,” stated Harm Controlman 1st Class Brandon Carrick. “General, the occasion was actually enjoyable as a result of it confirmed sportsmanship and appreciating different cultures.”
Blue Ridge, with the embarked Seventh Fleet employees, is presently on a scheduled patrol within the Indo-Pacific working with allies and companions in assist of preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.
~END~
