Amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) as it arrives to begin the fifth phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).Extract from a Press Release issued by Navy Newsstand
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Melinda Larson, Destroyer Squadron 1 Public Affairs
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (NNS) - The Brunei phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) began here Aug. 8 at the Royal Brunei Navy's (RBN) headquarters.
During his opening remarks, the commander of the RBN said joining forces is imperative to preserving stability in the region.
"This region is vulnerable to the global threat of terrorism," said Col. Jaharie bin Hj Matussin. "The threat is difficult to identify and contain without domestic and international action joined together. Brunei is committed to working alongside and integrated with the United States and other nations for humanitarian and confidence-building operations."
CARAT is a sequential series of six bilateral exercises held annually throughout Southeast Asia. The enhancement of regional cooperation, promotion of understanding between participating military forces and the continuing development of their operational readiness are the primary goals of CARAT. Brunei's geographic location in the South China Sea makes it an important partner in the region.
"Brunei is a very important partner to us," said Capt. Al Collins, commander, Destroyer Squadron 1, who leads the U.S. CARAT task group.
"CARAT lends itself to the next logical step - to enhance and build our professional seamanship skills together to build upon our development and interoperability together."
