PP19 Personnel Strengthen Teamwork with Malaysian Armed Forces

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class William Berksteiner | 190329-N-UY393-0600 KUCHING, Malaysia (March 29, 2019) - Malaysian Army Sgt. Jenel Wainoh demonstrates one of the techniques used to start a fire during a team building exercise with Pacific Partnership 2019 personnel at the Malaysian Armed Forces 1st Division Headquarters. Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Berksteiner)  

KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

03.29.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Berksteiner 

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

KUCHING, Malaysia – Pacific Partnership 2019 (PP19) personnel from the Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) learned some of what it takes to be in the Malaysian Army during a team building exercise at the Malaysian Armed Forces 1st Division Headquarters in Kuching, March 29.

The goal of the event was to strengthen ties between U.S. and partner nation personnel and their Malaysian counterparts. Team building opportunities like these are a critical component of preparation to respond effectively to natural disaster crises in Malaysia and the Indo-Pacific region, a central theme of Pacific Partnership.

“I think the conditions are probably the hardest obstacle,” said Royal Australian Air Force Flying Officer Michael Whitney, “We definitely don’t have this kind of environment at a lot of our training bases in Australia so it’s really interesting to see how the Malaysian Army does things.”

Participant skills were put to the test during a friendly competition as they divided into teams to run through an obstacle course and a tug-o-war match.

“The two events are more about your strength and cooperation with each other,” said Malaysian Army Capt. Muhammad Firdaus, the event coordinator with the Malaysian Royal Armored Corps. “We want to see how everyone helps each other through the obstacle course.”

Competitors ran across narrow crossings and climbed high walls in damp Malaysian heat, all while using teamwork as a platform for success.

Later during the visit, participants experienced how the host nation military finds natural resources in their environment. From building fires to finding food and water, Malaysian armed forces use skills that have been passed down for centuries to survive in times of crisis.

“The most rewarding part of this is working together and having fun,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Susan Maginn, Chaplain aboard Fall River. “It’s an honor to be invited back to participate in their culture and heritage. We get to learn a lot from them.”

Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2019
• Date Posted: 03.30.2019 09:56
• Story ID: 316291
• Location: KUCHING, SARAWAK, MY