Embassy of the United States Jakarta, Indonesia Public Affairs Section
U.S. service members arrived in Surabaya today to join their Indonesian counterparts in the ninth Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises. Initiated in 1995, CARAT is an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. and six Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia.
The purpose of these exercises is to improve military readiness and interoperability with each CARAT partner in such areas as maritime interdiction; maritime surveillance; and boarding, search, seizure, diving and salvage. CARAT will serve as a forum for sharing techniques and expertise among its partners.
The U.S. CARAT task group for Indonesia is made up of the guided missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis, the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry, and the rescue and salvage ship USS Safeguard. Other elements, including P-3C Orion and SH-60 Seahawk aircraft, and a U.S. Coast Guard training team, will also take part in CARAT 2005 Indonesia.
“We are excited to be in Indonesia and working with TNI,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, who is responsible for overall CARAT coordination. Stressing that interaction with Indonesians is one of the most valuable elements of CARAT, Quinn said: “While we are in Indonesia, we will have the opportunity to provide medical and dental care to local residents. This is a key way in which we are able to expand our interaction with Indonesian men and women, outside of military circles.”
The Indonesian phase of CARAT was postponed in both 2003 and 2004 at the request of the Republic of Indonesia Navy. Indonesia is the fourth phase of the 2005 CARAT series. Previous exercises were conducted with the navies of Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Following the Indonesian phase, the U.S. task group will continue to the Philippines and Brunei to complete the series. Approximately 800 U.S. service members are taking part in CARAT 2005 Indonesia.
CONTACT:
Lt. Chuck Bell, U.S. Navy Phone: 65-9617-8373 (Singapore) E-mail: [email protected]
