Photo Information

A medical team with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, listens to a member of the Malaysian Armed Forces during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2014. MALUS AMPHEX 14 is designed to allow the 11th MEU to work with the Malaysian Armed Forces to hone their amphibious capabilities by conducting amphibious rehearsals with ship-to-shore connectors and utilizing the rapid response planning processes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Rome M. Lazarus/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Rome M. Lazarus

U.S., Malaysian Armed Forces Kick-Off Joint Exercise

28 Aug 2014 | N/A 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Members of the United States and Malaysian armed forces came together to officially open Malaysia – United States Amphibious Exercise 2014 during an opening dinner at Kg Tanduo, Malaysia, Aug. 26.

The exercise, planned over the span of several months, is designed to improve participating forces’ amphibious training, readiness and interoperability.

Approximately 500 Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit will be partnered with members of the 7th and 22nd Royal Malay Regiments. A small number of planners from Amphibious Squadron Five and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready group will also be partnered with planners from the Malaysian Armed Forces.

Col. Matthew Trollinger, the 11th MEU’s commanding officer, urged participants to use the exercise as an opportunity to learn from each other and to work together.

“The U.S. and Malaysia have shared a longstanding military relationship and we are grateful to build upon that tradition over the next week,” said Trollinger.

Partnered training with the Malaysian Armed Forces includes shipboard familiarization, medical and dental capabilities, weapons familiarization, amphibious rehearsals with ship-to-shore connectors, live-fire ranges, rapid response planning process, execution of an amphibious assault and landing, and reconstitution.

The U.S. military and Malaysian Armed Forces have partnered in counter-terrorism operations since 1985 and have participated in numerous exercises over the years.

MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a realistic and challenging exercise that brings service members closer and improves both nations’ ability to work bilaterally, which better prepares both nations to provide regional and global security.

For more information about MALUS AMPHEX 14, please contact the 11th MEU Public Affairs Officer Capt. Josh Diddams; joshua.diddams@makin-island.usmc.mil, or U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur Press and Information Officer Drake Weisert; Office: (60) 3-2168-5185, Cell: (60) 1-2278-2362, WeisertDA@state.gov.


Marine Corps News

Colonel Caleb Hyatt
Commanding Officer

Colonel Caleb Hyatt is a native of Tamarac, Florida. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant following graduation with merit from the United States Naval Academy in May 2001. Colonel Hyatt’s command positions include Guns Platoon Commander, Battery S, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines; Headquarters Battery Commander, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines; Battery R Commander, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines; and Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines. Colonel Hyatt has deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM with artillery, light armored reconnaissance, and logistics units. Colonel Hyatt holds a BS in Computer Science, MA in Management, MMAS in Theater Operations, and an MS in National Security Strategy. Colonel Hyatt is also a 2023 distinguished graduate from the National War College.

Read Biography

Lieutenant Col. Steven M. Sprigg
Executive Officer

LtCol Sprigg was born in Parkersburg, WV. LtCol Sprigg enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 2004 and recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. LtCol Sprigg was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in March 2008. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011 and reported to HMLAT-303 for training as an AH-1W pilot. LtCol Sprigg is currently serving as the Executive Officer for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Pendleton, California.

Read Biography

Sergeant Major Geronimo Guzman
Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major Guzman enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 1998. He attended recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. In April of 1999, Private First Class Guzman transferred to the Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan. In July of 2005, Sergeant Guzman reported to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. In May of 2011, Staff Sergeant Guzman reported to the Officers Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia. In November of 2019, Sergeant Major Guzman was promoted to his current rank and reported to Recruiting Station Sacramento. In July 2022, Sergeant Major Guzman reported to 1st Maintenance Battalion, where he previously served as the Battalion Sergeant Major.

Read Biography