US Navy’s LCS USS Jackson conducts exercise with Brunei Navy

Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) arrived in Brunei last week following a one-day exercise at sea with the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN).

As informed, USS Jackson and RBN Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel KDB Daruttaqwa (DTQ 09) conducted bilateral exercises while sailing together in the South China Sea. The vessels met at sea to practice and enhance bilateral interoperability between the two navies and to emphasize the importance of operating together.

“The opportunity to sail alongside KDB Daruttaqwa demonstrates our shared commitment and goals with the Royal Brunei Navy to improve our interoperability and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Cmdr. Michael Root, commanding officer, USS Jackson (LCS 6).

The exercise included bilateral communications exercises and division tactics to practice precision maneuvering. All the events were designed to enhance cooperation between the two navies and to enable the ships to practice communications and coordination while operating in close proximity to one another.

In consideration of COVID-19 safety mitigations, the visit was contactless, meaning the crew of the ship remained aboard the ship, where they were afforded rest and replenishment of supplies.

“The United States and Brunei have a long relationship that includes a notable visit by USS Constitution to Brunei Bay on April 6, 1845,” said Capt. Tom Ogden, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7.

“Jackson’s visit and training with the RBN is a continuation of the 177 years of strong friendship and deep historical ties between Brunei and the U.S.”

The RBN stated it remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with the U.S. Navy, enhancing interoperability and capacity-building opportunities towards the goal of cooperation at sea.