Singapore and United States Strengthen Interoperability in Joint Maritime Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Lew Chuen Hong and the United States Navy (USN) Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific RADM Brian Hurley at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Singapore-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise this morning at Changi Naval Base.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Lew Chuen Hong and the United States Navy (USN) Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific RADM Brian Hurley officiated at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Singapore-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise at Changi Naval Base this morning. The exercise will be conducted from 19 to 29 July 2016.

During his speech, RADM Lew reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral relations between the two navies. He stressed that it was important for both navies to continue to build interoperability and foster mutual understanding. He said, "CARAT continues to be professionally useful for both Singapore and the United States. The ability to maintain and grow that mutual trust will allow us to continue to work well and seamlessly with each other in exercises and operations. RADM Hurley added that the exercise provides both navies with a complex and dynamic training environment and continues to enhance the capabilities of both navies. He said, "The RSN is a capable and respected maritime partner that shares our commitment to the peace and security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. 22 years of CARAT engagements have fostered trust and confidence among our sailors and our navies that allows us to train and operate together in a very complex manner and increase our combined readiness and capabilities."

Exercise CARAT 2016 will focus on honing the conventional maritime warfare capabilities such as in the areas of anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine operations, as well as maritime air operations.

A total of 700 personnel from both countries are involved in this year's exercise. The exercise will involve four ships, a submarine, a naval helicopter, a maritime patrol aircraft and fighter aircraft from the RSN and the Republic of Singapore Air Force, while the USN and United States Marine Corps are participating with three ships, a submarine and a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

The RSN and USN officers interacting during the exercise planning session.