U.S. Navy Forces Participate in Malaysia’s LIMA 2023

30 May 2023

From Ens. Rebecca Moore, Command Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and Sailors participated in the biennial Langkawi International Maritime Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 23, from May 23-27.

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U.S. Navy Cmdr. Eric Reeves, left, and Lt. Cmdr. Chunchun Meares, right, escort Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet to static displays during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023 Malaysia at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, May 24. LIMA 2023 brings together government and military leaders to promote good will, strengthen cooperation and serve as an ideal platform for world’s navies to showcase their prowess, air and sea power, naval diplomacy, and cooperation in a global arena.

LIMA 23 brings together industry stakeholders, government, and military officials from more than a dozen countries dedicated to the maritime and aerospace sectors for defense, civil, and commercial applications. Apart from exhibits, forums and conferences, LIMA 23 also organized various activities such as cultural exchanges, flight simulators, technology talks, and career fairs for participants.

“This is a very dynamic multinational event and allows us a stage to showcase our capabilities as individual nations but also in the combined operational theater,” said Lt. Cmdr. Cory Poudrier, USS Mobile (LCS 26) air detachment commander, “The reception from our Malaysian friends has been exceptional and we are thrilled to be here to enjoy both the exhibition and the gorgeous sights and culture throughout this event.”

The Royal Malaysian Air Force Band play music prior to the start of the opening ceremony for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) Malaysia at the Langkawi International Convention Centre, May 22. LIMA 2023 brings together government and military leaders to promote good will, strengthen cooperation and serve as an ideal platform for world’s navies to showcase their prowess, air and sea power, naval diplomacy, and cooperation in a global arena.

The U.S. Navy and other services showcased aircraft and warships via demonstrations and static displays, exhibiting a snapshot of the diverse inventory and capabilities of the U.S. military. The Mobile, an MH-60R Seahawk attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49, and one P8-A Poseidon all participated in the event.

“The U.S. Navy’s participation in LIMA 23 demonstrates our commitment to the Malaysian-U.S. partnership and friendship,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, “Our two navies operate together regularly in bilateral and multilateral exercises, subject matter expert exchanges and information sharing to enhance maritime domain awareness and ensure a resilient, free and open Indo-Pacific. The spirit and goodwill, cooperation and resolve made LIMA 23 a highlight of the year.”

The Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft perform a flyover as part of the final gambit of the gracing ceremony for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) Malaysia at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, May 22. LIMA 2023 brings together government and military leaders to promote good will, strengthen cooperation and serve as an ideal platform for world’s navies to showcase their prowess, air and sea power, naval diplomacy, and cooperation in a global arena.

This year was the 16th iteration of LIMA. Originated in 1991 by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, LIMA 23 supports increased interoperability in the region through open exchange of training and technology.

Mobile, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Royal Malaysian Air Force Maj. Gen. Muhmmad Tarminzi bin Hj Mustapha, assistant chief of staff of Staff Planning and Development, takes a tour of a C-130J Super Hercules from the “Eagle Airlifters” of the 36th Airlift Squadron during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023 Malaysia at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, May 24. LIMA 2023 brings together government and military leaders to promote good will, strengthen cooperation and serve as an ideal platform for world’s navies to showcase their prowess, air and sea power, naval diplomacy, and cooperation in a global arena.

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as Commander, Task Force 76/3 Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT.

Task Force 76/3 recently formed as a result of merging the staffs of Navy's Task Force 76, 7th Fleet, and 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.