Singapore, Thailand and the United States Navies Strengthen Cooperation in Multilateral CARAT

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and United States Navy (USN) concluded the multilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. Held from 18 to 26 July, the exercise saw the participation of five ships and four aircraft from the three navies. The RSN deployed its Victory-class Missile Corvette RSS Valiant; the RTN deployed its Adulyadej-class frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin, light aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, S-70B naval helicopter and Dornier-228 Maritime Patrol Aircraft; and the USN deployed its Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Mobile, MH-60S helicopter and P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The exercise opening ceremony was officiated by the RSN's Deputy Fleet Commander Colonel (COL) Ho Jee Kien, the Royal Thai Fleet's Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral (RADM) Korawit Chayarathi and the USN's Seventh Fleet Vice Commander Rear Admiral (RDML) Joaquim Martinez de Pinillos on 18 July in Sattahip Naval Base, Thailand. COL Ho said, "The RSN has close and long-standing navy-to-navy relationships with both the Royal Thai Navy and United States Navy. The interactions with both navies are multifaceted and this exercise will strengthen the cooperation and strong partnerships between the navies."

The shore phase of Multilateral CARAT was held in Sattahip Naval Base where participants conducted joint planning and professional exchanges. Thereafter, the sea phase saw participating assets conduct various exercise serials in the Gulf of Thailand, such as gunnery firings, air defence and manoeuvring exercises.

First conducted in 2017, this is the second edition of Multilateral CARAT that the RSN has participated in with the USN and RTN. Such interactions enhance the professional and people-to-people ties between the three navies.