Exercise Kilat Eagle brings U.S. and Malaysian forces together 

Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit began a cooperative exercise with elements of the Malaysian Army here Dec. 14, focusing on jungle training, air assault operations, a staff exchange and platoon and company movements.

“Kilat Eagle reinforces our relationship with the Malaysian forces and provides a unique training opportunity for all parties,” said Col. Michael Hudson, 11th MEU’s commanding officer. “We look forward to sharing all that this agile, forward-deployed Marine air-ground-logistics team has to offer.”

During the exercise, Marines plan to learn jungle survival and work with their Malaysian counterparts to improve helicopter-borne assault techniques. A staff exchange will also take place, blending the experiences and functional areas of the forces.

“This is a golden opportunity,” said Hudson. “The venues and expertise offered by our gracious hosts will allow us to train with the Malaysians while keeping us sharp for our deployment as America’s premier fighting force in the littorals.”

The Marines and sailors taking part in the exercise came ashore from the amphibious assault ship Makin Island which departed its San Diego homeport Nov. 14. The MEU, teamed with Amphibious Squadron 5, make up the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.

The MEU's major subordinate elements participating in the training are Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

For more information, contact the unit's public affairs officer, Capt. Roger Hollenbeck, at roger.hollenbeck@makin-island.usmc.mil, or visit the MEU online at www.11thmeu.usmc.mil, http://www.dvidshub.net/units/11MEU or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/11thmeu.