USS Guardian Continues to Build Partnerships, Visits Surabaya, Indonesia

By USS Guardian Public Affairs

SURABAYA, Indonesia (NNS) -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia May 10, to continue a partnership mission with the nation's navy.

Guardian was welcomed by a traditional Indonesian dance and military marching band as the ship pulled into the port there.

During the ship's two-day transit to Surabaya, Guardian hosted two Indonesian junior officers; Lt. j.g. Tato Taufiq and Lt. j.g. Andri Priya. Both officers said they were happy to have the chance to work with the U.S. Navy.

"We're happy to have the American Navy in Surabaya and to be able to accompany Guardian in to port," said Priya.

The visit provided an opportunity for the two navies to share knowledge and increase their mine warfare planning capabilities.

Several Guardian crew members and a group of Indonesian mine warfare professionals also held discussions on different strategies and approaches to clearing the Tanjung Kodok waters off the shore of Indonesia. The area still contains mines that laid during World War II and have never been cleared.

Guardian is currently on routine patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.