Western Armada sets up amphibious unit

Western Armada sets up amphibious unit

JAKARTA (JP): The Navy's Western Armada inaugurated a new unit
for amphibious operations in anticipation of new ships arriving
from Germany to strengthen naval defense in Indonesia's western
waters.

"In dealing with actual threats, these amphibious ships will
play a strategic role in supporting naval operations in this
area," Western Armada Chief Commodore Arief Kushariadi said
yesterday as he inaugurated the unit at the Armada's
headquarters.

The Amphibious Fleets Unit was founded as Indonesia began
receiving the first delivery of 39 warships it had ordered from
the former arsenals of East Germany.

Commodore Arief also launched the training command unit
yesterday as part of the armada's efforts to build an integrated
armada system.

Arief (left in photo) inducted the chiefs of the two new
units, Col. Sumardjo (right) for the amphibious unit and Col.
Fachmi Djamaris (center) for the training command.

Arief said the armada will soon be receiving more ships from
Germany, allowing it to further build new escorts units and
minesweepers.

So far, 17 of the 39 warships ordered from Germany have
arrived in Indonesia. They consist of nine minesweepers, five
corvettes and three amphibious vessels. (msa/emb)