SEPANGGAR, Malaysia (Nov. 12, 2015) (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Sepanggar, Malaysia, for a port visit Nov. 12.

"I'm looking forward to a productive engagement with members of the Royal Malaysian Navy," said Capt. Mark A. Prokopius, commanding officer of Emory S. Land. "My predecessor had a successful visit this past May and the Malaysian submarine force was very interested in the capabilities of the tender as the ship brought alongside the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699). We will have another opportunity for them to see the tender in action."

While in port, Land Sailors will host Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) sailors on board for a subject matter expert exchange and ship tour and will attend a reception hosted by the RMN. Capt. Prokopius will also meet with the RMN Area II Commander as well as the RMN Submarine Force Commander. Sailors will also participate in a soccer tournament with local Malaysian teams.
Land Sailors will also have the opportunity to experience Malaysian culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding land and seascapes through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) coordinated events.

"It's cool because I get to experience a totally different culture," said Engineman Fireman William J. Sherhouse. "This is the second country I've been to since I joined the Navy and I love to try out new food and meet new people."

Land continues the U.S. Navy's ongoing commitment to theater security, cooperation and friendship with local partner navies.

Emory S. Land is a forward deployed expeditionary submarine tender on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tended moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.