The U.S. Navy and Royal Brunei Armed Forces strengthened interoperability to deter and defeat threats in the Indo-Pacific region during the 31st iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, or CARAT, held in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and the South China Sea.
The event, which lasted two weeks, featured both shore-based engagements and sea-phase exercises.
What Happened During CARAT Brunei?
During the shore-based activities held in Brunei’s capital city, American and Bruneian servicemembers conducted subject matter exchanges in the areas of communications, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage, medical, legal, and visit, board, search and seizure, or VBSS, operations.
The U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia also led exercises simulating joint force integration scenarios to strengthen combined operational capabilities.
For the sea portion of the event, the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati; P-8A Poseidon from Commander, Task Force 72; and a U.S. Coast Guard VBSS team worked with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces offshore patrol vessel sailed in formation and conducted VBSS, air defense, division tactics and live fire gunnery exercises.
The U.S. Navy’s Destroyer Squadron, or DESRON 7, deployed in Asia also participated in the event.
“Over the last week our two teams have seen monumental developments in tactical knowledge, interoperability, and the lasting friendship between the United States Navy and Royal Brunei Armed Forces,” commented Capt. Matthew Cox, deputy commodore of DESRON 7. “Our commitment to defending stability in the region is built on the foundation of the strong relationship we have with our partners here, and we look forward to operating with the you for years to come.”