Long way from home: Commander Hays (centre) briefing the media on the USS Milius’ capabilities in Kota Kinabalu after sailing from its home port of Japan.
KOTA KINABALU: The USS Milius has docked in Sabah while its crew enjoys a four-day break.
The US Navy’s 19th Arleigh Burke Class Missile Destroyer docked close to the Kota Kinabalu Port here yesterday morning after over a month of sailing from its home port of Japan.
Commander Matthew Hays said he and his nearly 300 crew, most of whom are here for the very first time, are excited to experience the food, drink and cultures of the people of Sabah.
“We are here in beautiful Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. We are happy to be here to celebrate the 65th year of diplomatic relations with the Malaysian government.
“We are extremely excited to be here. This is a great port for us to come and see the culture, meet the people of Malaysia and just enjoy our time here. Thankful for the opportunity to visit,” he said.
Hays said this is his first time docking in Kota Kinabalu, but he has been to Port Klang previously.
The 26-year-old USS Milius provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of aircraft carrier strike groups, surface action groups, expeditionary strike groups, or underway replenishment groups.
