Final CARAT Phase Closes in Philippines
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060821-04
8/21/2006
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Melinda Larson, Destroyer Squadron 1 Public Affairs
SAN FERNANDO LA UNION, Philippines (NNS) -- A small ceremony at the naval base here, Aug. 21, marked the close of the Philippines phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).
During the week-long final phase of the 2006 CARAT exercise series, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel interfaced with U.S. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen in a wide array of training scenarios designed to build skills directly applicable to the combat of seaborne terrorism threats and transnational crimes at sea.
The sea services of both nations also worked together to interact with local residents through a series of community service and civic action projects.
To answer the threats, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) combined training was a primary focus, because transnational maritime threats pose a significant risk to the security of the Asia-Pacific region. Partnering with AFP forces such as the Philippine navy and coast guard is key to protection of the seas.
“This series of bilateral exercises is also designed to increase the U.S. Sailors’ understanding of Southeast Asian cultures, especially events both our navies are called upon to work together in during real-world operations,” said Philippine Navy Capt. Vicente Agdamag, commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon, during his closing ceremony remarks.
The increasing need for nations to work together, especially during humanitarian crises, was reinforced by Capt. Al Collins, commander of Destroyer Squadron 1 and the five-ship CARAT Task Group.
“We live in a world where multinational responses to conflicts and humanitarian crises – like the Leyte mudslide earlier this year – are now routine,” Collins said. “Thanks to CARAT, we have been able to answer that call through years of bilateral training, which have improved our maritime surveillance, information sharing and communication.”
During the exercise, 130 Philippine Marines embarked USS Tortuga (LSD 46) for an amphibious landing. The Marines were taken ashore by landing craft air-cushions (LCAC) launched from the well deck of the dock landing ship.
“This is to enhance our bilateral cooperation and interoperability in case we work together in the future,” said Philippine Marine Lt. Col. Emmanuel Salamat on the day of the exercise event.
Diving and salvage operations, gunnery exercises, and ship maneuvering helped the forces become familiar with each other’s operating procedures. Being familiar with the standards and expectations of other nation’s forces are important in today’s world of joint contingency and humanitarian operations.
“This exercise is a very strategic and operative venue in which our Fleet-Marine tandem strengthens their operational skills and synergy in carrying out combined operations,” Agdamag said.
CARAT humanitarian efforts took place ashore during the week in neighboring communities. U.S. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, and their Philippine counterparts, worked together during six community service projects at various locations. The Sailors’ activities ranged from interacting with residents at a home for the disabled in Olongapo, to taking part in an exhibition basketball game at the city courts in San Fernando, La Union, followed by a donation of sports equipment to city leaders.
During the week, 25 pallets of donations were handed out, including sewing machines, books, and basic medical and sanitary supplies.
More than 1,500 residents here also received basic services during a combined medical and dental civic action project, where 21 U.S. and Philippine sailors and coast guardsmen treated an array of minor ailments. More than 400 patients received new reading glasses during the five-day project, while dentists extracted 450 teeth.
Twenty-three U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, along with 32 Seabees from the Philippine Naval Construction Brigade, worked together for three weeks to build a new 800-square-foot, two-room addition at the Mabanengbeng Elementary School in the San Fernando area.
“By working together in community service projects throughout the Philippines, we are showing our compassion and demonstrating our commitment towards all mankind,” Collins said.
Exercise CARAT is a sequential, bilateral series of exercises with the Southeast Asia nations of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand designed to enhance regional cooperation, promote understanding and develop operational readiness.
The U.S. CARAT task group was led by Collins, Commander Destroyer Squadron 1. Collins embarked aboard Tortuga, which operates from Sasebo, Japan, as part of the 7th Fleet’s Forward Deployed Naval Forces. Collins’ staff is based in San Diego. Besides Tortuga, the other CARAT task group ships included USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Crommelin (FFG 37), USS Salvor (ARS 52) and the USCGC Sherman (WHEC 720). Hopper, Crommelin and Salvor are homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Sherman is homeported in Alameda, Calif.
Philippine Navy CARAT task group ships included BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS 36), BRP Heracleo Alano (PG 376), BRP Teotimo Figuracion (PG 389) and BRP Bacolod City (LC 550).
For more on CARAT, visit www.clwp.navy.mil/carat2006.
For related news, visit the Commander Task Force 73 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/clwp/.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
