U.S. aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan visits Malaysia

The super aircraft carrier of the United States, USS Ronald Reagan, on Saturday started a three- day goodwill visit to Malaysia.

The 332-meter-long carrier docked at the Port Klang near here, kicking off its maiden visit to Malaysia.

More than 5,000 officers and personnel aboard the carrier will take part in community service projects and other friendship- building activities during their stay in Malaysia, said Rear Admiral Michael H. Miller, commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group comprising the aircraft carrier and support vessels.

"The crew is looking forward to being able to experience the culture of Malaysia as well as see the famous Twin Towers," Miller told reporters aboard the ship.

Port Klang is the fourth port of call for the carrier since its deployment to the Western Pacific from its home port in San Diego, California, early this year.

Earlier, it has visited Australia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Commissioned on July 12, 2003, the aircraft carrier, standing 20 stories above the waterline, carries about 80 aircraft.

With two nuclear reactors, the carrier can operate for 20 years without refueling.

Source: Xinhua