US Navy Ship On Goodwill Visit
By Sonia K.

Bandar Seri Begawan - Japan-Based USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Brunei for a scheduled-port visit on June 25.

The visit was highlighted by a number of social and goodwill activities between Patriot sailors and the people of Brunei. Last Monday, crew of the Patriot enjoyed friendly softball ball and soccer games against members of the Royal Brunei Navy.

Yesterday, a community activity was organised with Pusat Bahagia where some 15 sailors participated in the indoor games including musical chairs, karaoke and break dancing with the special children. The crew also volunteered' to take part in a cleaning campaign at the centre.

"Our primary mission here is to interact with the people of Brunei so that we can work to create a stronger mutual relationship between the United States and Brunei,". said Lieutenant Commander Richard D. Brawley, Patriot's Commanding Officer. "We want to show the people here that we care about them and let them see our true selves as we take off our uniforms and communicate on a personal level.

"This deployment has given many of us a new understanding of Southeast Asia and the world, and I hope that many of the crew get a chance to truly see Brunei, and understand what it is all about," said (SW) Michael Simmons.

On Monday night, the Bulletin spoke to Lieutenant Commander Richard D. Brawley on board the ship. ,

"The USS Patriot was here a month ago just for a day to get some fuel and supplies. This is the first time the ship is here for a longer visit to see the country," he said.

The visit provide the sailors with the opportunity to see the country and experience the culture here.

Lieutenant Commander Richard D. Brawley said, "We were part of an -exercise called Western Pacific mine countermeasure exercise. About 20 countries participated in the world's largest mine countermeasure exercise.

"The Brunei navy is very professional, very busy. Seems like they're always doing exercises. Your navy never stops to rest, they're always busy," he said.

On Monday night the USS Patriot hosted a reception for several Royal Brunei Navy members and visited the American Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.

USS Patriot, which is a mine countermeasures ship deployed in Sasebo, Japan has about 80 officers. Patriot and USS Guardian (MCM 5) serve under Task Force 76, which serves as the Seventh Fleet's mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations.

The ship and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, Detachment 51 are currently deployed in Southeast Asia to support the Seventh Fleet's interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralisation warfare and maritime operations. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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