Monday, July 21, 2008
RI, U.S. Navies Hold Joint Exercise
Source: The Jakarta Post

The Indonesian Navy and the US Navy began a joint exercise Monday as part of bilateral cooperation, an official said.

Commander of the Eastern Fleet Command Commodore Slamet Yulistiyono has officially opened the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) 2008 at the Eastern Fleet Command Warship training center in Ujung, Surabaya.

Also present at the event was the US Commander Task Force (CTF) 73, Rear Admiral Nora Tyson.

"The NEA joint exercise between the Indonesian and the U.S. navies has been conducted several times and it was proven to benefit both parties," Slamet Yulistiyono said.

The exercise will run from July 21 to 26, involving 100 U.S. Navy's personnel and 150 Indonesian Navy's personnel. The exercise will be held in Surabaya, Tuban and Situbondo, all in East Java.

Slamet said, the U.S. Navy deployed USS Tortuga, Ford, Jarret and USNS Safeguard for the training.

"Most importantly, the joint exercise is aimed at improving soldiers' professionalism while enhancing bilateral diplomatic ties," he added.

The five-day exercise will include, among others, Centrixs test aboard the USS Tortuga, health symposium, military observer, U.S. Coast Guard training, diving in Surabaya western sailing route and marines' training at Karang Tekok, Situbondo.

Both navies would also hold an exercise to lift a sunken ship from Surabaya waters.

The participants will join various social activities such as construction of sanitation and clean water facility in Tuban regency, sport matches, and collaboration in music stage between both navies and Purwacaraka school of music.

The U.S. Navy will also have an "Open Ship" event to give local people, especially students, an opportunity to visit the US warships which are docked at Tanjung Perak Harbor.