U.S. Navy Embarks on Exciting Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo in Indonesia

The Multinational Exercise Komodo (MNEK) spotlights global maritime cooperation alongside disaster response strategies. This event parallels the International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS), renowned as the largest maritime symposium spearheaded by the Indonesian Navy. The 2023 IMSS theme focuses on “Addressing Maritime Security Challenges with Technology and Cooperation.”

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, highlighted the U.S. commitment during his IMSS address. “I am proud of what the U.S. Pacific Fleet and our joint force can generate in terms of military power, our ability to synchronize in all domains, and do all of that with our allies and partners,” he stated. Koehler reiterated the U.S.’ dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific through robust partnerships.

The exercise sees participation from U.S. Navy assets including the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72. The focus this year is on “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability”, urging navies to bolster Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) efforts and foster civil-military synergies.

Spanning six days, the harbor phase will host workshops on infrastructure repairs and emergency medical response, culminating in cultural exchanges and community outreach. A subsequent sea phase will involve cooperative maneuvering exercises and search-and-rescue training ceremonies.

This fifth iteration, Komodo 2025, follows its inaugural 2014 edition. The USS Dewey operates under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, marking the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron. The U.S. 7th Fleet, as the Navy’s predominant forward-deployed fleet, continues its commitment to collaborating with international partners for maintaining an unobstructed Indo-Pacific.