This is the first time a US aircraft carrier has visited Malaysia since 2012.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the flagship of the US Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG 3), stretches an impressive 332.85m in length, with a flight deck spanning 76.8m.

The vessel is manned by more than 5,000 sailors and marines who manage a fleet of 70 aircraft.

The aircraft carrier is also known for having been featured in the Hollywood blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick”, starring Tom Cruise.

Rear Admiral Adan Cruz, commander of CSG 3, said his crew is excited about the visit, seeing it as an opportunity to learn about Malaysian culture.

“Our sailors and marines are excited to be here and many are looking forward to trying the food,” Cruz told reporters after disembarking from the carrier.

Cruz said the visit serves two main purposes, namely resupplying the ship and offering the crew some liberty after being at sea for over 100 days, with its last port of call in Guam.

When asked about the carrier’s recent mission in the Middle East, where it helped prevent tensions between Israel and Iran from escalating, Cruz said the mission was “successful and they accomplished all the objectives”, but did not elaborate any further.

Captain Pete Riebe, the ship’s commanding officer, said the crew members are particularly excited to try out Malaysia’s national cuisine, nasi lemak.

He said the crew have organised a few tours to landmarks and sites in Kuala Lumpur, including Batu Caves, and will also do some volunteer work in local communities.

“We will visit schools, help out with senior citizens in care facilities, as well as perform prayers in places of worship, including mosques, with the people of Malaysia,” he said.