US Navy joining Komodo 2018

May 4, 2018

The US Navy will join more than 30 nations for the Multinational Exercise Komodo 2018 on and in the waters near Lombok Island, Indonesia, from May 4 to 9.

The exercise brings together navies from across the world to rehearse scenarios focused on collaborative solutions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime domain awareness.

“Komodo joins navies from around the world in a spirit of cooperation and friendship,” Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, Commander Task Force 73, said.

“Today’s security challenges transcend borders and require collaborative security efforts. Komodo fosters meaningful relationships that enhance cooperation between navies on shared challenges through common values,” Gabrielson stressed.

Hosted by the Indonesian Navy, the theme for the third biennial Multinational Exercise Komodo is “Readiness and Cooperation for responding to humanitarian and disaster relief contingencies,” and will focus on maritime readiness and cooperation among navies for manmade and natural disasters.

Komodo features a robust harbor phase that includes an international fleet review and a sea phase training scenario where participating navies will work together to enhance information sharing and maritime cooperation.

The US Navy personnel will also participate in medical, civil engineering, and diving exchanges during the shore phase along with community outreach musical performances by the US 7th Fleet band.

US assets participating in Komodo 2018 include staff from Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7, the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3), a P-8A Poseidon, a Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit (MDSU) detachment, US Marines, US Navy Seabees, and the US 7th Fleet band.