U.S., Philippine, and Royal Malaysian Navies Conduct CARAT

From the Asian Journal (May 31): U.S., Philippine, and Royal Malaysian Navies Conduct CARAT

The U.S., Philippine, and Malaysian navies are conducting a coordinated multilateral training activity in the Sulu Sea, June 4.  The training takes place between the bilateral phases of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) with Malaysia and the Philippines.

“This engagement is an important milestone as we seek opportunities to increase multilateral cooperation for the CARAT exercise series,” said Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Task Force 73.  “The training provides our navies with an opportunity to broaden cooperative maritime security coordination with our partner nations as we would during real world contingencies or operations.”

Ships and aircraft from the U.S. Navy will operate with separate surface action groups from Malaysia and the Philippines.  The multilateral training will test the abilities of all three navies to coordinate maritime security operations in a geographically separated environment at sea. The Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) will operate with Royal Malaysian Navy ships during the training, while USS Ashland (LSD 49) will sail alongside ships from the Philippine Navy.

The participating ships will conduct communication drills, maritime security coordination, and maritime domain awareness training.  A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol craft will also operate in the region and rehearse communication drills with ships and aircraft from all three nations.

“Our ability to coordinate and communicate from various operational locations allows us to enhance regional cooperation at sea,” said Capt. H.B.  Le, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7.  “These activities benefit all nations and prepare us to work together more efficiently during crises and emergencies.”

As the premier naval engagement in South and Southeast Asia, CARAT provides a regional venue to address shared maritime security priorities, enhance interoperability among participating forces, and develop key relationships that will serve partner nations for many years to come.

http://asianjournal.com/news/u-s-philippine-and-royal-malaysian-navies-conduct-carat/