MEDAN, Indonesia –
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus completed a visit to the Indonesian province of North Sumatra Oct. 25 in conjunction with a port visit by Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60).
During the stop, Mabus met with Chief of Naval Staff, Indonesia Navy, Adm. Marsetio, to discuss the relationship between the Indonesian and U.S. navies.
"There are several purposes for my visit," said Mabus. "First, it is to work with our partners and friends in the Indonesian Navy to assess ways we can broaden and deepen the things we can do together."
During several meetings, the naval leaders discussed past bi-lateral exercises as well as opportunities for future cooperation.
"We have a strong relationship (with the Indonesian Navy), and it is growing stronger with each passing year," said Mabus. "We have conducted exercises together and the Indonesian Navy has proven very professional, and the training we do together is increasing in its complexity and in its results."
As the U.S. Navy continues its rebalance to the Pacific, the importance of these joint exercises is expected to increase.
"The work that we do together is crucial to the security and stability of this region and the world," Mabus said.
Mabus' visit also served to underscore the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' commitment to the rebalance.
"In 2011, our president announced that we would put additional focus on the Pacific," said Mabus. "While America has never left the Pacific and we have been a presence here for many decades, we are now increasing the number of ships, the number of Sailors and the number of exercises we do with our partners in the region - partners such as Indonesia."
During his time in Medan, Mabus also conducted an all-hands call for the Sailors of the Davis, as well as a series of reenlistments and award presentations.
Mabus' stop in Indonesia is part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. Pacific and Africa Command areas of responsibility focused on reinforcing existing partnerships and visiting Sailors and Marines providing forward presence.
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