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USS Mustin Arrives in Malaysia for Visit

26 September 2012

From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow

Guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived in Port Klang, Malaysia for a goodwill port visit, Sept. 26.

PORT KLANG, Malaysia - Guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived in Port Klang for a goodwill port visit, Sept. 26.

Mustin will be visiting Malaysia in conjunction with the 2012 Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) at the invitation of the government of Malaysia.

During Mustin's time in port, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Cecil Haney, who is in Malaysia attending WPNS, will visit the ship to engage with the crew and tour the ship's workspaces.

"Mustin is excited and honored to represent the 7th Fleet and the U.S. Navy in Malaysia during this significant event," said Mustin Commanding Officer Cmdr. Joseph Ring. "The U.S. Navy has a strong and growing navy-to-navy relationship with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). We feel that these engagements and interactions contribute to increased understanding and interoperability, which supports regional stability, maritime security and humanitarian assistance throughout the Asia-Pacific region."

While in Malaysia, Mustin Sailors will interact with the RMN through a sporting event. The Sailors will also be afforded the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur and tours of the surrounding area provided by the Mustin's Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department.

"This will be the first port visit of my naval career, I am really looking forward to it," said Ship's Serviceman Seaman Christopher Garcia. "I've signed up for two MWR tours so I am sure I will be taking tons of photos, eating great food and seeing what Malaysia has to offer. I believe it is going to be a great time."

"I am looking forward to the cultural exchange and visiting the historical sites in this part of the world," said Lt. j.g. Douglas Wilkins. "This is a great opportunity to visit a place that most people only dream of visiting. The Navy has provided the crew with this experience and I think it will be one of those times in each of our lives we will never forget."

On Sept. 19, Mustin successfully completed its participation in Valiant Shield (VS) 2012. VS12 was an integrated training exercise that allowed the opportunity to integrate Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps assets in a blue-environment. The exercise illustrated U.S. military readiness and capability to rapidly respond to any crisis anywhere in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mustin, commanded by Cmdr. Joseph Ring, is one of seven guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 15) and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Mustin is currently on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

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