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Boxer Completes CARAT Malaysia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050725-09
Release Date: 7/25/2005 12:26:00 PM

By Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) D. Arthur Jones, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) saw the end of the 11th edition Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia July 18.

The exercise was a testament to the strength of the ties and teamwork that the two countries have had for decades. The ease with which the two nations came together directly reflected the spirit of their long-standing cooperative relationship.

“Any time that U.S. forces and our allies can come together in an environment like CARAT, we enhance our abilities to operate together as a cohesive team,” said Cmdr. Mark F. Volpe, Boxer’s operations officer. “Through this exercise, we were able to build on lessons learned from previous exercises and further our capacity as a strong coalition.”

The mission for CARAT Malaysia included enhancing cooperation and increasing the already strong bond between the nations involved. The exercise also strengthened professional skills of those involved at every level, from the flight deck to the engineering spaces.

“The engineers, as well as every crew member on board, played a key role in this exercise,” said Cmdr. Janet K. Mahn, Boxer’s chief engineer. “Everyone on the ship worked hard to make all of our operational commitments. Everyone on board has a reason to be proud of the work they did during CARAT.”

The many facets of CARAT Malaysia included the targeting of a drone, boarding and searching ships, medical exercises and, with the help of Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, an amphibious assault in which more than 150 Malaysians were deployed to Kuala Rompin beach.

“Working with the Malaysians was a great experience for us,” said Chief Warrant Officer Brian Archer, ACU 5 detachment officer in charge. “The importance of our nations coming together to share knowledge cannot be over stressed. We learned so much from the Malaysians, and we were able to share some valuable knowledge.”

CARAT, an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the United States and several Southeast Asia nations, is designed to improve military readiness and interoperability with countries involved in mission areas of mutual benefit. Each phase of the exercise is planned in close coordination with military leaders of the participating nations and involves intermediate and advanced naval operations at sea and ashore.