By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian A. Stone
LUMUT, Malaysia (NNS) — Mine countermeasures ship USS Avenger (MCM 1) arrived in Lumut, Malaysia, for a port visit, May 16.
Upon the crews arrival, Lt. Cmdr. Patrick L. German, USS Avenger commanding officer, visited with the Chief of Staff for the Royal Malaysian Navy Fleet Headquarters, Rear Adm. Sulaiman Bin Mohamad.
"We are very excited to see the great work Americans are going to do for the community in Lumut," said Mohamad. "The first ship I commanded was a minesweeper, so I am very happy to see an American minesweeper visiting us in Lumut."
During the visit, Avenger crew members will participate in community service projects. More than 20 Sailors are scheduled to visit the Rumah Wawasan orphanage to spend time with local children and conduct restoration work.
"I can't wait to get out there, see everything and help the community," said Mineman Seaman Jonathan Cedeno. "Only in the Navy would I have the opportunity to go to a place like this. In my whole lifetime, I probably never would have had the chance, but thanks to the Navy, here I am."
USS Avenger is visiting Lumut as part of its patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
US Pacific Fleet
