DESRON 1 Embarks Boxer for CARAT
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050714-11
Release Date: 7/14/2005 11:49:00 AM
By Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) D. Arthur Jones, USS Boxer Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 and 14 staff members embarked USS Boxer (LHD 4) July 5 to prepare for the Malaysian phase of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise.
CARAT is an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the United States and various Southeast Asia nations such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines designed to enhance interoperability between services.
“CARAT is held in one of the most vital regions in the world,” said CARAT Coordinator Lt. Jeffery Sizemore. “Because of the Straits of Malacca and the other vital sea lines of communication that run through the area, these nations must maintain the safety and security of their waters. CARAT is an opportunity for the U.S. to work with these nations to improve both their and our ability to maintain maritime security and support for the region.”
Began in 1995, the exercise involves more than 1,500 U.S. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, along with several members of the Royal Malaysian Navy. CARAT Malaysia will feature many facets, including boarding and inspecting ships, destroying a drone and an amphibious assault.
“Whether training to combat terrorism, provide mutual defense or provide humanitarian assistance, building a working relationship with the CARAT countries is extremely important to both our nations’ security,” said Boxer’s executive officer, Cmdr. Adrian J. Jansen.
Capt. Lothrop “Buzz” Little, commander of DESRON 1, will serve as the task group commander for CARAT and is responsible for the overall coordination and execution of events during the 10-day exercise.
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