The 13th annual bilateral maritime training exercise "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training," known as CARAT, began last week in the southern Philippines. But partnership on the water was extended onshore during community relations events supported by both U.S. and Philippine Navy volunteers, such as the two Sailors pictured above carrying boxes of donated food for local communities. 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.
