Boxer Visits Singapore to Prepare for CARAT
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050708-10
Release Date: 7/8/2005 10:56:00 AM
By Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) D. Arthur Jones, USS Boxer Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), commanded by Capt. Thomas J. Culora, completed a two-day port visit to Singapore July 5.
The visit gave the more than 1,200 Sailors embarked on Boxer a chance to enjoy the sights and cultures of Singapore while the ship took on stores and made personnel changes before continuing on to participate in exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).
CARAT, an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the United States and various Asian nations, is designed to improve military readiness and interoperability with countries involved in mission areas of mutual benefit.
“CARAT builds a solid working relation between the nations involved and the U.S.,” said Boxer’s executive officer, Cmdr. Adrian J. Jansen. “Not only do we get to build on the professional aspects of two military forces working together, but we are also able to gain respect for each other as a people.”
Once CARAT preparations were completed each day, Sailors participated in tours organized by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department, and were able to enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. Sailors also visited beaches, lagoons and Asia’s largest underwater aquarium during their visit to “the Lion City.”
“I was very excited to see Singapore,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Neidara Mathies, from Tampa, Fla. “I really enjoyed the MWR tour to Sentosa Island. Everyone talked about how beautiful Singapore is. So, I am glad I was able to see it for myself.”
The 844 foot-long amphibious assault ship recently finished the inaugural Exercise Talisman Saber, an exercise involving more than 16,000 Australian and U.S. service members.
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