The U.S. Navy has joined more than 20 navies for the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) in Bali, Indonesia. Hosted by the Indonesian Navy, the exercise began with an opening ceremony on February 16 and focuses on multilateral maritime cooperation and disaster response protocols.
The exercise is held alongside the International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS), the largest international symposium organized by the Indonesian Navy. This year's IMSS theme is "Addressing Maritime Security Challenges with Technology and Cooperation."
Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, emphasized the importance of collaboration during his presentation at IMSS. He stated, “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.” Koehler added that they aim to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The USS Dewey (DDG 105), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, along with a P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Commander Task Force 72, are representing U.S. forces in this exercise.
During MNEK's international fleet review on February 16, Adm. Koehler was accompanied by U.S. Army Col. Jacky Ly aboard Indonesia’s Sudirohusodo-class hospital ship KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat (992). The event underscores multilateral maritime cooperation and disaster response.
This year’s MNEK theme is "Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability," aimed at enhancing multinational naval coordination for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) efforts.
The six-day harbor phase includes workshops on infrastructure repairs and emergency medical response as well as community outreach activities followed by a sea phase focusing on coordinated maneuvering and search-and-rescue training.
Komodo 2025 marks the fifth iteration of this exercise since its inception in 2014.
USS Dewey operates under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 within the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron under U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force which routinely collaborates with allies to maintain regional stability.
Adm. Koehler also met H.E Arif Havas Oegroseno, Indonesia's vice minister for foreign affairs during IMSS discussions focused on maritime issues.