Coast Guard MSSTs Bring Added Expertise to SEACAT
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jessica M. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs) lent its specialized training to the sixth annual Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) exercise which concluded Aug. 21. SEACAT was an at-sea, scenario-driven, fleet training exercise involving the U.S. along with six Southeast Asian countries tracking and boarding simulated critical contacts of interest. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. David Alvarez, a planning action officer specializing in Maritime Security Operations for the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area Command, said the exercise is not only beneficial for the hands-on and live-action training experience, but also opens the door for information sharing and learning for everyone involved.
Phase Four of CARAT Begins in Singapore
The fourth phase of the 13th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series began July 13 in an exercise that will include an estimated 1,500 military personnel, 13 ships, a submarine and the newly-commissioned Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) frigate RSS Formidable (68). Members representing the combined armed services of both nations, dignitaries and local and national media gathered for the exercise's official kick off at the RSN’s Fleet Command Headquarters at Changi Naval Base. This year’s CARAT will maintain the tradition of previous CARATs with the primary focus on training that will enhance interoperability and professional cooperation between the armed forces of the United States and other participating nations.
First CARAT Exercise Phase Concludes in Philippines
U.S. and Philippine Marines guide their assault boat to sea after departing from the stern ramp of dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during an amphibious assault exercise near Pilas Island, Philippines. The Philippine Marine Corps is training with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force's Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) during the 1st phase of the 13th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the U.S. and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jessica M.
