US Embassy's Military Attaché Colonel, Inger M Nilsson along with Regional Security Officer Mr Francis Carroll led Brunei's Deputy Minister of Defence Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Dato Paduka Hj Shofry Hj Abd Ghafor and Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pengiran Datin Paduka Hajah Masrainah bte Pengiran Haji Ahmad as well as senior officers from RBAF and local media representatives on the flight and a tour of the USS Abraham Lincoln.
In a press statement, Mr Barrasso said, "We are committed to strengthen bilateral ties and take every opportunity to engage in all areas, especially economic, defence and education. We are especially pleased to host Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa and other distinguished visitors and to provide them with this unique experience."
Upon arrival at the USS Abraham Lincoln, the delegation was welcomed by Rear Admiral Guadagnini. The group was then treated to an up-close view of flight operations and observing aircraft launches from the flight deck and the control centre.
During the tour, the visitors also had the opportunity to interact with sailors during the course of normal ship operations. The group also experienced the thrill of landing and launching from the aircraft carrier.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is in the US 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is America's fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The ship was named in honour of the 16th president of the US and is the second ship in the US Navy to bear his name.