United States (US) pays great attention to Indonesia since it has strategic position between two oceans and two continents. US stated it is ready to assist Indonesia’s maritime axis program.
Yesterday, a corvette named USS Forth Worth arrived at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta. The corvette is a littoral combat ship (LCS) 3 designed for war on shallow waters and equipped with high navigation technology.
The vessel released in 2012 can carry 110 military personnel. It is facilitated with a helipad to ease the action when attack comes or it wants to attack enemies. Its fairly big shape makes the vessel quick and has high cruising range.
“Indonesia has a very strategic position so we need to increase our cooperation with this country. We are ready to train Indonesian armies to be tougher in the future,” said USS Forth Worth Commander, Lieut. Col. Bridgewater Carrolton, during the vessel welcoming event yesterday. This vessel replaces USS Freedom (LCS-1) which ended its mission several months ago. In Singapore, USS Forth Worth will rotate its personnel before participating in 2015 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) CARAT in Indonesia.
This corvette will have a base in Changi Naval Base, Singapore. The existence of LCS 3 is also the part of rebalancing US military power in the region.
“Our government wants to conduct rebalancing by activating our power and involvement in South East Asia and Pacific regions,” Bridgewater said.
“This vessel is suitable with the waters in South East Asia and Pacific,” said First Admiral Charles William, Singapore Regional Coordinating Commander for Pacific Division.
This vessel will be in Indonesia until the end of Christmas holiday. This vessel will be berthed in Singapore on December 29th. Indonesia can try out the operation with this sophisticated corvette to measure the detecting power of Indonesian corvettes to the existence of the corvette and its abilities to manipulate enemy’s radar.
Prior to that, the vessel crews will conduct some activities with Indonesian Navy and introduce themselves to Indonesian officials.
US Ambassador for Indonesia, Robert Blake, who also welcomed the arrival of USS Forth Worth, said US is ready to assist President Joko Widodo if necessary.
“Based on the statement of President Barrack Obama at APEC Summit in Beijing, US will support President Joko Widodo’s policies,” Blake said.
“Four US vessels have been berthed in Indonesia along 2014. It proves that US has commitment with Indonesia,” Blake added.
Asked about illegal vessel sinking entering Indonesia, Blake said it is Indonesia’s internal problem. He added US supports all of Indonesian government’s decision, including illegal vessel sinking. (Rakyat Merdeka)
