CAMP SENAWANG, Washington -- Exercise Keris Strike 2018 lasted from July 23 through Aug. 3, 2018, and was focused on improving interoperability between the U.S. and Malaysia, which focused on bilateral disaster relief efforts.

“Both our organization and [the Malaysian Military] discovered some really important aspects of humanitarian relief and disaster recovery,” said U.S. Army Col. Anthony Lieggi, commander, 96th Troop Command, Washington Army National Guard.

In addition to disaster relief, Exercise Keris Strike 2018 contains a jungle field training exercise. During this event, U.S. and Malaysian soldiers will learn from each other in a series of subject matter expert exchanges, and on a field training exercise conducted at the Lenggang training area. The training successfully increased mutual trust and respect between the U.S. and Malaysia.

Elements from the Malaysian and U.S. armed service members from U.S. Army Pacific Command, I Corps, U.S. Army Alaska, the Washington Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserves participated in the exercise.

The ultimate goal of Exercise Keris Strike 2018, improving regional and global stability by improving U.S. and Malaysian effectiveness during peacekeeping and disaster relief operations, was achieved.