The United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Forsa Defesa Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) will work together during the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise from July 31 – August 4, 2017. A Boeing C-40 plane will bring U.S. Marines and equipment to Timor-Leste on July 28 and return at the end of CARAT.
CARAT – entering its 23rd year – is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. In its fifth year in Timor-Leste, CARAT 2017 will focus on improving maritime security capabilities and increasing interoperability. Some of the skills developed during CARAT include life-saving techniques, boat safety, and equipment maintenance.
While the exercise is designed to enhance maritime security skills and operational cohesiveness among the participants, CARAT will also highlight the importance of relationship-building through sport and social activities.
