U.S., Malaysian Forces Conduct Joint Aviation Exercise

USS Abraham Lincoln (At Sea) (NNS) -- Aircraft from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group participated in a joint aerial combat training exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Feb 14.

F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW)2 joined Malaysian SU-30 and FA-18D Hornets to train in multiple combat scenarios. Events ranged from single aircraft engaging single aircraft, all the way to complex multi-aircraft combat scenarios.

With the Malaysian SU-30s maneuvering at speeds estimated close to MACH 1, training was aggressive and realistic.

"Air Combat Training gives our aviators a chance to match their skills against the skills of some formidable foreign aviators and their modern aircraft. An added benefit is promoting regional partnerships and improving maritime security," said Lt. Luke Swain of CVW-2.

The United States and Malaysia share a diverse and expanding partnership and cooperate closely on a number of security matters, including counterterrorism, maritime domain awareness, and regional stability.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region.