The USS Jackson of the United States Navy (USN) made a logistics port of call to Brunei Darussalam following the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) between the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and USN on January 13.
All coordination meetings for the exercise was conducted virtually while its execution was conducted without physical interaction between KDB Daruttaqwa and USS Jackson in line with COVID-19 guidelines from the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Health.
During the PASSEX, both ships conducted a series of communications and maneouvering exercises which concluded with a breakaway where both ships bade farewell and expressed appreciation on good friendship between both navies.
The PASSEX provided an opportunity for all crew and officers from both navies to enhance their drills while performing the serials; as well as enhancing interoperability between RBN and USN.
During the logistic visit, RBN Fleet Commander Captain Khairil bin Haji Abdul Rahman received a virtual courtesy call by USS Jackson Commanding Officer Commander Michael Root, where they affirmed their commitments towards enhancing interoperability and possibilities of capacity building opportunities in the future.
According to the United States (US) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, the visit represents the deep security partnership between the US and Brunei.
Despite logistical complications due to COVID-19, both nations have continued their military exercises and engagements virtually to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the region during the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) in August 2021 and the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) in November 2021.
