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U.S., Malaysia Increase Interoperability During CARAT 2008

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080719-13
Release Date: 7/19/2008 9:07:00 AM

By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Dan Meaney

KEMAMAN, Malaysia (NNS) -- The Malaysia phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2008 concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the exercise's successes achieved through cooperation and friendship between the two militaries.

Closing remarks by Rear Adm. Nora Tyson, commander Logistics Group Western Pacific, and Lt. Gen. Dato' Allatif Bin Mohd Noor, commander, Joint Force, Malaysian Armed Forces highlighted some of the milestones of the exercise and reiterated its importance to both militaries.

Tyson outlined the mutual goals of the two nations for this, the 14th CARAT Malaysia. She emphasized how CARAT enabled both militaries to continue to build proficiency in the various warfare and mission areas; improve interoperability both at sea and ashore; improve maritime security; and build relationships between the two nations, their armed services and their people.

"The relationship between the U.S. and Malaysian Armed Forces is as strong as it has ever been, and whether you realize it or not, the type of engagement and work that you've done together these past ten days is an example of why."

Gen. Allatif highlighted many of the successful joint training milestones accomplished during CARAT Malaysia. These included a joint amphibious landing between the U.S. Marines and 9th Royal Malay Rangers in the context of a possible humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) contingency; joint maritime operations between the Royal Malaysian and U.S Navies at sea; joint air operations between the Royal Malaysian Air Force and U.S. forces; and joint diving and salvage operations. Allatif also acknowledged the importance of the medical cross training, engineering civil action project and community relations projects that contributed to the feeling of friendship and cooperation throughout the exercise.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of four days of joint training underway sandwiched between two port calls at Kemaman Port, in the Terengganu district of Malaysia, where Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Royal Malaysian Armed Forces conducted six days of training and outreach to the community. The ceremony ended with a performance of traditional Malay cultural dances by a local dance troop.

"To all the participants of both our forces," said Tyson, "I say thank you for your dedication and hard work. It has enabled this exercise to be executed smoothly and professionally. Well Done!"

The U.S. CARAT task group consists of the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), the guided-missile frigates USS Jarrett (FFG 33) and USS Ford (FFG 54), the USCG cutter Morganthau (WHEC-722), and USNS Safeguard (ARS-50).

CARAT is an annual series of bilateral military training exercises between the United States and several Southeast Asian nations.

For more news from Commander Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/clwp/.