U.S. Embassy Photo Release

June 4, 2007

 

Partnership to Help Local Communities: 

Philippine and U.S. Navies Extend Helping Hand during “CARAT 2007” Military Exercises

 

 

 

Partnership is the key theme of the bilateral naval exercises ongoing between the United States and Philippine Navies.  The 13th annual bilateral maritime training exercise “Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training,” known as CARAT, began last week in the Zamboanga and Basilan area.  But partnership on the water was extended onshore during community relations events supported by both U.S. and Philippine Navy volunteers.

 

Pictured above, a U.S. Sailor hands a box of food and supplies to a Philippine Sailor as the two militaries partnered to load donations onto a truck for delivery to a Mindanao orphanage.  (Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Mark R. Alvarez.)

 

CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. The exercises in CARAT are designed to enhance the ability of our nations to work together in maritime situations that range from natural disasters to maritime interception of criminals and terrorists.

But one of the most important partnerships our nations’ militaries engage in is the humanitarian partnership. The CARAT exercise also focuses on relationship building through social and community service events such as providing free medical, dental, and veterinary care in host communities – an integral part of the long partnership between our countries.

 

The U.S. Navy’s CARAT group includes the USS Harpers Ferry from Sasebo, Japan (pictured above); the USS Ford from Everett, Washington; and the USS Jarrett from San Diego, California. Approximately 1,400 U.S. personnel are taking part in the CARAT exercises, including personnel such as U.S. Navy Seabees, U.S. Navy and Army doctors, and U.S. Army veterinarians who will participate in humanitarian projects.

 

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