Military

American, Brunnei Sailors Conduct Joint Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070904-06
Release Date: 9/4/2007 12:14:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Comstock, USS Jarret Public Affairs

USS JARRET, At Sea (NNS) -- More than 240 Sailors aboard USS Jarrett (FFG 33) teamed up with Royal Brunei Navy personnel off the coast of Brunei Aug. 9 to conduct joint exercises as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2007.

The exercises consisted of boarding operations; flight operations between American P-3 Orion, SH-60B Seahawk and a Royal Brunei Air Force SH-60 Blackhawk; and maritime operations with two Brunei missile patrol boats: KDB Waspada (P02) and KDB Pejuang (P03). This force totaled more than 400 personnel from both countries.

"The importance of this exercise is the practice of interoperability between our nations," said Capt. Albert Collins, commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 based out of San Diego. "By training here our countries can more effectively protect the sea lanes together."

Collins added that another facet of this year's exercise was that the nation of Vietnam had sent a small contingent of observers. This is a first for CARAT and it stresses the point, Collins said, that Southeast Asian countries and the United States are banding together to protect the shipping lanes which have proven vital to all nations. Vietnam is planning to join CARAT exercises soon; this year's exercise is a chance for them to observe how Brunei and American military components can work together seamlessly.

"I've been a part of CARAT exercises last year and have some idea of what we are looking for," said Collins. "This year's operations are definitely a success in terms of interoperability."

Although Jarrett is the only ship taking part in the Brunei phase of this year's CARAT; there are two more ships USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Ford (FFG 54) that are part of DESRON 1. These two other ships are taking part in other Navy operations in the region.

CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and six Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces.