Hawaii-based troops in Indonesia for exercises

Hawaii-based soldiers and commanders are in Indonesia for exercises designed to train troops for U.N. peacekeeping missions.

U.S. personnel joined troops from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Thailand, Nepal and the Philippines for the Garuda Shield drills.

Hawaii National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee said the exercises show countries they’ll be able to work together when natural or other disasters strike.

As part of the drills, staff officers from the U.S. Pacific Command, the Hawaii National Guard and U.S. Army Pacific formed a brigade to test peace support and stability operation capabilities.

The exercises are due to last through next week.