Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MCESG Region 3 (MSGBn Company C)
(Volunteer Detachment Archivist Needed)
Send updates / corrections to history@msghistory.com

Detachment Photos: Photo Album
Contact MSG History: Kuala Lumpur
Map: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur
INSTAGRAM: US EMBASSY Kuala Lumpur
FACEBOOK: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur
FACEBOOK: MCESG MSGDuty Group
FACEBOOK: MEGA Group
Together-We-Served: Kuala Lumpur

POTUS visits to Malaysia
SECSTATE visits to Malaysia
List of US Ambassadors to Malaysia
List of Natural Disasters to Malaysia
Terrorism in Malaysia

COUNTRY INFORMATION

YouTube: (2025) Best Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
YouTube: (2025)
YouTube: (2026)

Diplomatic relations were established on October 29, 1948,
Establishment of American Embassy in Colombo, August 3, 1949

U.S. Embassy: Malaysia
Britannica: Kuala Lumpur/ Malaysia
Google: Kuala Lumpur/ Malaysia
Wikipedia: Kuala Lumpur/ Malaysia
DOS History: Malaysia
Travel: Malaysia
Time: Malaysia
Weather: Malaysia
Phrase Book: Malaysia
Google News: Malaysia

HISTORICAL INCIDENTS AFFECTING US EMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR

SOURCE: GEMINI.AI

the Kuala Lumpur (KL) post is defined by one of the most daring and technically challenging "Freight Elevator" operations in MSG history. While other posts had large-scale sieges, the KL detachment in 1975 had to manage a high-rise hostage crisis from the floors directly above the terrorists.

Here is the historical and current record for your site:

1. The AIA Building Hostage Crisis (August 4, 1975)

At 10:45 a.m., five members of the Japanese Red Army (JRA) stormed the AIA Building on Jalan Ampang, taking 53 hostages, including U.S. Consul Robert C. Stebbins.

• The Tactical Split: The JRA occupied the 9th floor, where the U.S. and Swedish consulates were located. However, the Embassy still controlled the 10th and 11th floors.

• The "Chrome Magnum" RSO: Wayne Algire, was the Regional Security Officer at the time. He was famously described as carrying a chrome-plated magnum revolver in his belt while coordinating the defense.

• The MSG Freight Elevator Op: Because the main elevators were disabled, the MSG detachment used the freight elevator—which faced away from the JRA’s line of fire—to move personnel and supplies. Marines acted as escorts in the elevator, turning a simple utility lift into a critical tactical artery.

• The Conclusion: After four days of negotiations, the hostages were released in exchange for the freedom of five JRA prisoners. The terrorists and two Malaysian guarantors flew to Libya on August 7.
  

2. The New Compound: Jalan Tun Razak (1990s)

New embassy moved from the AIA high-rise to the current purpose-built compound.

• Architecture: The new building at the junction of Jalan U Thant and Jalan Tun Razak was designed to capture traditional Malaysian style with red-tiled roofs and long, covered balconies.

• The "Marine House": Unlike the AIA era, the new compound provides a more traditional secure perimeter for the Marine Residence and the Chancery.
  

Kuala Lumpur "Who’s Who"

• Gary Marvin: 1970s MSG Later became an RSO (Kinshasa/Abidjan). Married Judy Sparshott.

• 1stSgt Grace Gomez: 2026 Current Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL).

• 1stSgt Aric B. Lonchar: 2023 Former SEL; named MCESG Instructor of the Year (FY22).

• SgtMaj Alexander Karasik: 2019 Former First Sergeant of MCESG Region 1.

• Wayne Algire: 1975 RSO- Commanded the detachment during the AIA Siege.

DETACHMENT HISTORICAL TIMELINE

2025
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Longstreet, Alonzo, SSgt 2024-25 Riga, Khartoum, Kuala Lumpur / 2862-Ground Data/Communications

2024
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Longstreet, Alonzo, SSgt 2024-25 Riga, Khartoum, Kuala Lumpur / 2862-Ground Data/Communications

2014
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Campbell, James, Sgt 2012-14 Berlin, Kuala Lumpur / 0311-Rifleman

2013
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Campbell, James, Sgt 2012-14 Berlin, Kuala Lumpur / 0311-Rifleman

2012
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:

2011
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:

2010
Detachment Commander:
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2009
Detachment Commander:
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2008
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Palumbo, Michael, Sgt 2004-08 Lima, Brussels, Kuala Lumpur

2007
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Crooks, Micah, Sgt 2005-08 Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, Bogota / 1371-Combat Engineer
Palumbo, Michael, Sgt 2004-08 Lima, Brussels, Kuala Lumpur

2006
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Crooks, Micah, Sgt 2005-08 Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, Bogota / 1371-Combat Engineer
Ceja, David, GySgt 2004-07 Bujumbura, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi / 2651-Special Intelligence Communicator

2005
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Burgess, David, Sgt 2005-07 Kuala Lumpur, Brasilia / 0481-Landing Support Specialist

2004
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Kass, Alex, Sgt 2003-06 Kuala Lumpur, Kinshasa / 0313-LAV Crewman
Navarro, Miguel C., MSgt 2001-2004 Kuala Lumpur, Almaty 0861-Fire Support Man

2003
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
DuBrey, Sherwood, SSgt 2002-05 Kuala Lumpur, Managua / 0369-Infantry Unit Leader
Kass, Alex, Sgt 2003-06 Kuala Lumpur, Kinshasa / 0313-LAV Crewman
Navarro, Miguel C., MSgt 2001-2004 Kuala Lumpur, Almaty 0861-Fire Support Man
Polendey, Michael B., GySgt 2000/04 San Salvador, Kuala Lumpur, Karachi / 3432-Disbursing Technician

2002
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Antoun, Tammy, Sgt 1999-02 Kuala Lumpur
DuBrey, Sherwood, SSgt 2002-05 Kuala Lumpur, Managua / 0369-Infantry Unit Leader
Polendey, Michael B., GySgt 2000/04 San Salvador, Kuala Lumpur, Karachi / 3432-Disbursing Technician
Voss, Robert, SSgt 2001-03 Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh / 2111-Small Arms Repairer/Technician

2001
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Antoun, Tammy, Sgt 1999-02 Kuala Lumpur
Voss, Robert, SSgt 2001-03 Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh / 2111-Small Arms Repairer/Technician

2000
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Antoun, Tammy, Sgt 1999-02 Kuala Lumpur

Cole, Michael, Jr., Sgt

1999
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Antoun, Tammy, Sgt 1999-02 Kuala Lumpur

1998
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
FORD, KENNETH, MSgt 1997-99 Dar Es Salaam, Kuala Lumpur / 0491-Combat Service Support Chief
Nault, Mike, Sgt 1996-99 Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait

1997
Detachment Commander:
Thorsen, Jon, GySgt 1995-97 Sofia, Kuala Lumpur / 6336-Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician, KC-130
Watchstanders:
FORD, KENNETH, MSgt 1997-99 Dar Es Salaam, Kuala Lumpur / 0491-Combat Service Support Chief
Nault, Mike, Sgt 1996-99 Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait

1996
Detachment Commander:
Thorsen, Jon, GySgt 1995-97 Sofia, Kuala Lumpur / 6336-Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician, KC-130
Watchstanders:
Cole, Michael, Jr., Sgt 1994-96 Kiev, Kuala Lumpur / 5831-Corrections Specialist

1995
Detachment Commander:
Mason, Curtis, SgtMaj 1994-97 Kuala Lumpur / Montevideo

Watchstanders:
Cole, Michael, Jr., Sgt 1994-96 Kiev, Kuala Lumpur / 5831-Corrections Specialist

1994
Detachment Commander:
Mason, Curtis, SgtMaj 1994-97 Kuala Lumpur / Montevideo
Watchstanders:

1993
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Wojczak, Peter, GySgt 1991-93 Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur / 3043-Supply Administration & Operations

1992
Detachment Commander:
Swan, Martin, MGySgt 1989-92 Mogadishu, Kuala Lumpur / 6591-Aviation Ordnance Chief
Watchstanders:

Wojczak, Peter, GySgt 1991-93 Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur / 3043-Supply Administration & Operations

1991
Detachment Commander:
Swan, Martin, MGySgt 1989-92 Mogadishu, Kuala Lumpur / 6591-Aviation Ordnance Chief
Watchstanders:

1990
Detachment Commander:


Watchstanders:

1989
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1988
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1987
Detachment Commander:
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1986
Detachment Commander:
Snook, Jack, GySgt 1984-86 Vienna, Kuala Lumpur / 0369-Infantry Unit Leader
Watchstanders:
Burns, Donald, GySgt 1984-86 Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur / 3043-Supply Administration
Swanson, Eric, GySgt 1985-87 Ndjamena, Kuala Lumpur / 1833-Assault Amphibious Vehicle Crewman

1985
Detachment Commander:
Snook, Jack, GySgt 1984-86 Vienna, Kuala Lumpur / 0369-Infantry Unit Leader
Watchstanders:
Burns, Donald, GySgt 1984-86 Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur / 3043-Supply Administration
Baer, Glenn, Sgt 1982-85 Rangoon, Kuala Lumpur / 0351-Assaultman
Schultz, Edward, Sgt 1982-85 Cairo, Kuala Lumpur /

1984
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Burns, Donald, GySgt 1984-86 Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur / 3043-Supply Administration
Baer, Glenn, Sgt 1982-85 Rangoon, Kuala Lumpur / 0351-Assaultman
Schultz, Edward, Sgt 1982-85 Cairo, Kuala Lumpur /

1983
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Crowfoot, Casey, 1stSgt 1981-83 Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur 1986-90 (Det Commander) Jakarta, MSGBn, Singapore
McCauley, Dale, Sgt 1982-85 Dar Es Salaam, Kuala Lumpur, / 2537-Radio Chief
Simpson, Eric C, Sgt 1980-83 New Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Kuala Lumpur / 1182-Office Machine Repair Specialist

1982
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Plunkett, Jimmie, GySgt 81-84 Accra, Kuala Lumpur
McClure, Douglas, GySgt 1979-82 Accra, Dakar, Kuala Lumpur / 5953-Air Traffic Control Radar Technician

Simpson, Eric C, Sgt 1980-83 New Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Kuala Lumpur / 1182-Office Machine Repair Specialist

1981
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
McClure, Douglas, GySgt 1979-82 Accra, Dakar, Kuala Lumpur / 5953-Air Traffic Control Radar Technician

1980
Detachment Commander:
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1979
Detachment Commander:
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1978
Detachment Commander:
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1977
Detachment Commander:
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1976
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:

1975
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:

1974
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Bauchert, James L., SSgt 1971-73 Kuala Lumpur

1973
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Bauchert, James L., SSgt 1971-73 Kuala Lumpur

1972
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Bauchert, James L., SSgt 1971-73 Kuala Lumpur
Persson, Leif, Sgt 1969-72 Kuala Lumpur / 2531-Field Radio Operator

1971
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Bauchert, James L., SSgt 1971-73 Kuala Lumpur
Persson, Leif, Sgt 1969-72 Kuala Lumpur / 2531-Field Radio Operator

1970
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Persson, Leif, Sgt 1969-72 Kuala Lumpur / 2531-Field Radio Operator

1969
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Persson, Leif, Sgt 1969-72 Kuala Lumpur / 2531-Field Radio Operator