Rear Adm. William R. Merz, Commander, Submarine Group 7 (COMSUBGRU 7), met with representatives from the Indonesian submarine force in Surabaya, Indonesia, on April 14 in order to strengthen a dynamic working relationship between the two navies.

The primary focus of the staff talks was to establish routine periodic regional engagements and operations to integrate the Indonesian submarine force as a partner and ally in the Pacific.

The engagements will include training opportunities between the two navies that will focus on integrating U.S. and Indonesian submarine force capabilities.

The staff talks followed a table top Simulated Submarine Casualty Exercise (SMASHEX), where COMSUBGRU 7, U.S. Navy Submarine Rescue Command, and International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office worked with the Indonesian navy during a simulated submarine rescue training.

The Indonesian navy is the largest navy in Southeast Asia based on the number of active personnel and ships.