The 20th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore concluded with a closing ceremony at Changi Naval Base, Aug. 8.
Rear Adm. Charlie Williams, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s Task Force 73, delivered remarks before several hundred participating U.S. Navy Sailors and members of the Republic of Singapore navy.
“For many years now, our navies have worked together before, during and after each convening of CARAT and our strong navy partnership was on full display during this year’s exercise,” said Williams.
The two-week exercise commenced July 29 and included a series of shore-based and at sea training events designed to address shared maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability among both navies.
Ashore, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Singapore coast guard boarding teams honed maritime security skills at the Singapore Police Coast Guard Brani Base. Personnel also learned new techniques and developed relationships during professional exchanges, community service events, receptions and sports competitions.
“At sea, our combined task group accomplished a very aggressive schedule of high-end warfare scenarios, including a highly successful coordinated torpedo exercise, and they did it safely without a single injury or major equipment casualty,” said Williams. “Not many navies can train to this level and deliver results consistently, but that’s exactly what you did.”
In its 20th year, CARAT Singapore is part of a series of bilateral naval exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations in South and Southeast Asia including, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. CARAT commenced in May and continues through November.