RP-US CARAT 2007 kicks off

By Ronron
May 31, 2007

A Philippine-US Navy exercise dubbed Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercise (CARAT) 2007 formally kicked off on Thursday as the event was officially opened at the Philippine Naval Forces Western Mindanao headquarters in Zamboanga City in simple rites.

Ensign Annaleah Palad, Philippine Public Information Officer of CARAT 2007, said the event was presided over by Rear Admiral Petronilo Magno, commander of the Philippine Fleet.

Magno was joined by Rear Admiral William Burke, commander of the US Navy’s Task Force 73.

“As transnational and trans-border crimes, piracy, and maritime terrorism are becoming a grave concern of the global community, this year’s CARAT exercise is more than a welcome opportunity for us to exchange pertinent information and exercises on a broad range of fields – from at-sea tactical operations and amphibious training to community relations projects and activities,” Magno said in his speech.

For his part, Burke said: “CARAT is a model of interconnectivity between Navies that maintains sovereign rights, while taking advantage of the benefits of cooperating Naval forces.”

About 1,400 US troops will participate in the CARAT 2007, which will last until June 9, while the Philippines will send in approximately 600 Navy, Marines and Coast Guard personnel.

The Philippine Navy tasked three patrol ships, three maritime patrol aircraft, one helicopter, and components of the 1st Marine Brigade for the field training exercises, while the US Navy committed three ships – the USS Harpers Ferry, USS Ford, and USS Jarrett.

The exercises will be held at the Naval Base Cavite in Sangley Point, Cavite City, Zamboanga City and Basilan province.

Aside from Dive exercises, Salvage Exercsies, Staff Exercises, Command Post Exercises, and Passage Exercises, CARAT 2007 also include the conduct of medical, dental and veterinary missions to be held in Zamboanga City and Basilan as part of civil-military operations.

CARAT 2007 is part of the activities under the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty./DMS