U.S. Marine LCpl. Walter J. Jackson plays soccer with students at Bannok Public School. Photo by JO3 Seth J. Bauer, USN

Malaysia
The USS Blue Ridge’s first stop was Port Kelang, Malaysia, where U.S. sailors and Marines took part in a wide array of activities ranging from a Seventh Fleet Band performance in Kuala Lumpur to a community service project at a local children’s home. “My overall impression is this is a great international liberty port,” said Capt. Maynard, as he waited for the Seventh Fleet Band to begin the concert in the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) at the foot of the Patronas Twin Towers. “Most sailors I talked to were impressed with the international flavor of Kuala Lumpur, the city’s ethnic groups, and diverse population.”

U.S. Navy personnel clean up a garden at Bannok Public School, Pattaya, Thailand. Photo by JO3 Seth J. Bauer, USN

According to Safful Bahari Din, Visitor Services Assistant for Petronas Twin Towers, the KLCC is the city’s social and economic life force. “The towers represent seamless blending of cultures here in Kuala Lumpur,” he said. “The population of Malaysia is mostly Muslim . . . but here in Kuala Lumpur, particularly around the KLCC, the population becomes much more diverse. The area was once a British colony, and the European influence is still very evident.” 

On a warm, overcast evening, people gathered at the many outdoor restaurants and pubs at the base of the twin towers, and along the adjacent fountain and reflecting pool. They had come to enjoy the center’s vibrant nightlife and to watch a goodwill concert by the Far East Edition, the U.S. Seventh Fleet’s traditional “big band.” As the band erupted into a jazz version of the Navy song “Anchors Aweigh,” the audience swayed with the music. The band stopped midway through the concert in observance of the evening Muslim prayer.

Later, 40 U.S. sailors helped rejuvenate the Salvation Joy Haven Home for the Elderly and the Shelter 1 children’s home. They painted the recreation area and stairwell, cleaned ceiling fans and windows, and read to the children.