RSN, RTN and USN Complete Exercise CARAT

The multilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, which concluded on 26 July featured participation from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and US Navy (USN). This is the second edition of Multilateral CARAT that the RSN has participated in along with the USN and RTN.

The three navies deployed five warships and four aircraft for the exercises, which was designed this year to enhance US and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The RSN's Deputy Fleet Commander Colonel (COL) Ho Jee Kien said the interactions with both navies were multifaceted and the exercises would strengthen the cooperation and strong partnerships between the navies.

The Victory-class Missile Corvette RSS Valiant (91) was deployed by the RSN, which was joined by the RTN’s Adulyadej-class frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG 471), Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG 422) and light aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet (FFG 911). The USN deployed its Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10).

The aircraft deployed in the exercises were the S-70B naval helicopter, MH-60S helicopter, Dornier-228 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The shore phase of Multilateral CARAT saw joint planning and professional exchanges being conducted at Sattahip Naval Base, while the Sea Phase held in the Gulf of Thailand, saw participating assets undertake various exercise serials which included anti-submarine warfare, air defence exercises, and surface action group coordination.

This year’s CARAT exercises also included visit, board, search and seizure, mine countermeasures, and search and rescue training events.