San Diego-Based USS Abraham Lincoln Makes First Carrier Visit to Malaysia Since 2012

The San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln departed Malaysia this week, ending the first visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier to that country since 2012.

The nuclear-powered warship docked at Port Klang near the capital Kuala Lumpur last Thursday and departed on Tuesday.

“This historic visit reaffirms Malaysia’s importance to the United States,” said U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan. “It highlights our shared commitment to regional stability and Malaysian sovereignty, providing an invaluable opportunity for collaboration between our navies and key leaders.”

Prior to pulling into port, the crew hosted distinguished visitors including Malaysian officials and media who toured the ship, observed flight operations, and engaged with sailors.

“Our visit to Kuala Lumpur is important to the U.S. Navy. It is the first time an aircraft carrier has visited in 12 years,” said Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3.

“I deeply value the opportunity to strengthen the U.S. and Malaysian partnership while providing an opportunity for our sailors and Marines to experience the amazing city of Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

The strike group includes the Lincoln and San Diego-based guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, as well as the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS O’Kane, and USS Michael Murphy from Pearl Harbor.