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Golden Swordsmen participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise '02

Hawai'i Navy New Online

Release Date: 11/22/2002

Lt. Cmdr. Rick Newton VP-47 Public Affairs

One of the highlights of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47's deployment this year was the squadron's participation in exercise CARAT (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) 2002. Operating from four different nations over a span of two months, the "Golden Swordsmen" shared their tactical expertise and worked to strengthen the military ties with several Southeast Asia nations allied with the U.S. in the war on terrorism.

For two months, VP-47 assigned a detachment of one aircraft and one combat aircrew that traveled to Pattaya, Thailand; Kuantan, Malaysia; Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore and Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines. In each location, VP-47 aircrews provided static displays and familiarization training to their host nation military counterparts. In addition, the Golden Swordsmen received detailed briefs from host nation officers outlining the host nation naval and air force capabilities.

VP-47 was not the only unit representing the U.S. military in CARAT 2002. Other participating units in the exercise included USS Vincennes (CG 49), USS George Philip (FFG 12), USS Salvor (ARS 52), USS Anchorage (LSD 36), USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC 722) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51, all under the command of Destroyer Squadron 23, acting as Commander Task Group 712.

All participants actively contributed to the planning and execution of a series of anti-surface warfare, under-sea warfare, and anti-terrorism exercises. These exercises reinforced our interoperability with host nation armed forces while fostering mutual trust and respect among the multiple nationalities.

"The Singapore Navy is a group of real professionals," said patrol plane commander, Lt. Ray Owens. "It was a real pleasure working with them."

Between the planning meetings, static displays and exercise events there were plenty of opportunities for the Golden Swordsmen to get to know their hosts in a social atmosphere. Each nation hosted a reception featuring local cuisine and entertainment, and shipboard receptions were held on board Vincennes and Morgenthau.

"The food in Malaysia was awesome," said Lt. Wes Groff. "They even had a group of traditional dancers that were amazing."

The detachment almost turned tragic when a Sailor on Salvor fell overboard during the ship's transit from Thailand to Malaysia. Within hours, VP-47 had diverted three P-3C aircraft from three different locations onto the scene to search for and locate the lost Sailor. Fortunately, after a comprehensive eight-hour search, the Sailor was safely rescued.

The CARAT exercise is an annual event that allows U. S. Navy personnel to interact with host nation military forces, establish common operational tactics and cultivate military and political ties with each nation. With the threat of terrorism stretching throughout the world, it is imperative that the United States continue to strengthen its relationships with the armed forces of other nations.