Sailors from the navies of Malaysia and the US kicked off Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2018 in Lumut, Malaysia, October 8.

As noted by the US Navy, 2018 marks a significant growth in the relationship between the US and Malaysia as both partner navies expanded their role in this year’s 24th iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), 17th iteration of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), 13th iteration of the Pacific Partnership (PP), and 26th iteration of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).