USS Fitzgerald in Subic for PH-US CARAT Exercise
The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is arriving in Subic Bay today, Thursday, June 27, to participate in the Philippines- United States Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise.
The ship’s visit and CARAT highlight the strong historic community and military relations between the Philippines and the United States.
Through exercises near Subic Bay, the 19th CARAT is a series of bilateral naval exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. CARAT Philippines began in 1995, and has since occurred in several locations throughout the Philippines, including Cebu (2009), Subic Bay (2010), Puerto Princesa (2011) and most recently General Santos City in Mindanao (2012).
Training events in each CARAT phase are tailored based on available assets and mutual training goals across a broad range of naval capabilities. CARAT Philippines 2013 will focus on maritime security operations, maritime domain awareness and information sharing.
The exercise will also feature extensive training in diving and salvage operations, jungle warfare and marksmanship, tactical combat casualty care, civil affairs, riverine and boarding team scenarios, sporting events, community service projects and public band concerts.
As in every U.S. ship’s visit in Subic Bay, locals welcome the economic activity generated by their requirement for various supplies and services, on top of rest & recreation spending of servicemen. (usembassymanila/additional report by vvv)