Boxer Returns to Kemaman Following At-sea Success
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050715-14
Release Date: 7/15/2005 6:00:00 PM
By Lithographer’s Mate Seaman Jessica Vargas, USS Boxer Public Affairs
KEMAMAN, Malaysia (NNS) -- Malaysian Armed Forces and U.S. service members returned here July 15 following the three-day underway phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia.
During the combined and joint training, Boxer Sailors and Malaysian service members worked hand-in-hand building military proficiencies during a drone missile launching, night encounter exercise and an amphibious beach assault.
"Working side by side with American Sailors [aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4)] has been a unique experience, and we have learned so much about how the [U.S.] Navy operates,” said Malaysian Army Cpl. Eddy Rasidi.
“The way the Malaysians do business and the way Boxer operates are very different, but we learned from each other and became more powerful doing so,” added Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Celestino Martinez.
With the underway phase of CARAT complete, many Boxer Sailors were excited to return to Kemaman, having earlier tasted the city's fine offerings of food, shopping malls, and liberty at beach resorts during the ship’s earlier port visit July 8-12.
“I’m excited about being back in Kemaman because the people are friendly and the resorts are beautiful," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Katrease Castro. "I can’t wait to relax and lay out on the beach again.”
2005 marks the 11th annual edition of CARAT. More than 1,600 U.S. service members are taking part in CARAT Malaysia along with Malaysian Armed Forces counterparts.
U.S. ships participating included Boxer, USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and USS Safeguard (ARS 50).
CARAT is an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the United States and various Southeast Asian nations including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.
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