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Patriot Departs Brunei After Meaningful Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060630-19
Release Date: 6/30/2006 6:00:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs

MUARA PORT, Brunei (NNS) -- Sasebo, Japan-based mine sweeper USS Patriot (MCM 7) departed Brunei June 28, after spending two-and-a-half days connecting with the country and its people on a number of levels.

While in Brunei, Patriot Sailors brought smiles to special needs kids, participated in friendly sports competition with the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) sailors, and hosted a reception for U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Emil Skodon and other distinguished officials of the Brunei government and military.

“The port visit went exceptionally well,” said Lt. Cmdr. Richard D. Brawley, Patriot commanding officer. “Every activity emphasized our growing relationship with Brunei. I am very proud of the crew for the way they conducted themselves as ambassadors and genuinely engaged with members of the Royal Brunei Navy and Brunei community. This visit has set an even stronger foundation for increased U.S. interaction with Brunei.”

Brunei counterparts concurred with the importance and lasting effect of the visit.

“U.S. Navy Sailors are very hospitable, very friendly and are good ambassadors for their country,” said RBN Maj. Yusuf Masron, a senior officer who related these thoughts during a reception aboard Patriot June 26. “I think these interactions, both on a social and professional level, help keep us both updated about each other’s culture and navy.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Glen R. Rase also treated a group of Patriot Sailors to a game of golf at one of the country’s most renowned courses.

Also, embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Detachment (Det) 51 conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX), the first-ever bilateral training interaction between the two countries in the EOD mission area.

From the planned activities to country exploration opportunities on liberty, Patriot Sailors felt they had gained a lot from the visit to Brunei.

“The people were friendly and extremely welcoming, treating us almost like kings in terms of service,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Robert C. Skibsted, who participated in the softball competition and golf outing. “The people were very outgoing, friendly. I’m glad that I was able to experience their country and get to know them better.”

The most meaningful opportunity, said many of the Patriot crew members, was a community service project at a special needs facility for youth. The Sailors interacted with the kids by playing games like musical chairs and having a dance contest while passing out little gifts and candy. Additionally, Sailors completed a Navy-style field day, giving the special needs center a sparkling look. Overall, Sailors said the smiles and gratitude expressed by the kids showed the true meaning of the event.

“It was an incredible feeling to see the kids smile and laugh at all the things we did with them,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Michael I. Berlingeri. “The way they said thanks was special - shaking our hands and then bowing their head to our clasped hands. I think we all felt really connected with them and know that they enjoyed us being there.”

Operational relationships were built upon as well, as EODMU 5 Det 51 and their Brunei counterparts were able to exchange explosive ordnance disposal techniques during their two-day PASSEX. Day one featured capabilities briefings and day two was practical application with detonations of EOD disruption devices.

“They welcomed us with open arms and were eager to interact and learn about our EOD techniques,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 2nd Class (DV/SW/PJ) Daniel K. Ryan. “It was good to see what they do, and I’m sure it was good for them to see what we do.”

Though the navies were not interacting at sea, a sense of military-to-military ties was achieved on the playing field. Friendly sports competition in soccer and softball games sparked positive sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two navies. The U.S. Navy took top honors in softball while RBN defeated its American counterparts in soccer.

“It was a lot of fun,” said 2nd Lt. Ade Rosdi, a liaison officer with RBN, who played soccer. “I think you could tell with people laughing and just being friendly that we were bonding.”

Storekeeper Seaman Shannin Heater, a Patriot Sailor who played softball, said, “The exchange was very positive as they enthusiastically taught us the game, how they play it, and wanted to learn how we play it. We all got together for a photo at the end, and it felt really good, just really captured the welcoming feeling they exhibited throughout.”

Patriot is a mine countermeasures ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Patriot and USS Guardian (MCM 5) serve under Task Force 76 and operate as U.S. 7th Fleet’s Mine Countermeasures arm in the Pacific area of operation. The ship and embarked EODMU 5 Det 51 are currently on a long-term deployment in Southeast Asia to support the 7th Fleet’s interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralization warfare and maritime operations.