US and Indonesian navy warships to conduct joint exercise

US navy warship USS Benfold will conduct an exercise with two Indonesian navy warships in Bali waters, according to the chief of the naval base in Bali, Col I Wayan Suarjaya.

"The exercise will cover tactical manoeuvers, communication, and other safety procedures," he said when receiving the USS Benfold crew members upon their arrival here on Thursday.

"The two Indonesian navy warships that will be involved in the exercise are KRI Hasan Basri and KRI Uling," Suarjaya added.

He expressed hope that the exercise would improve the capabilities of the Indonesian Navy personnel.

Meanwhile, USS Benfold commander Adrian Jansen said his ship`s presence in the region was part of his tour of Southeast Asia.

"In Indonesia, as per plan, we will only visit Bali and be here for four days," he stated.

After that, Jansen said, he would return to the US to conduct other operations.

"In Bali, the ship will conduct various activities, including a joint exercise with the Indonesian navy," Jansen added.

The 54-metre-long USS Benfold weighs around 8,900 tonnes and can carry 280 navy personnel.

Source: ANTARA