Republic of the Philippines Marines storm ashore at Ternate during a combined Philippines-U.S. amphibious assault exercise. Photo by PH1 (NAC) Spike Call, USN

Coast Guardsmen of the two countries also fostered military-to-military relationships during CARAT. U.S. Coast Guard members visited Philippine Coast Guard ships for some practical exercises in maritime law enforcement. Philippine Coast Guard officers who confront modern piracy said that their country benefits from the time spent with their American counterparts. While on board the Philippine Coast Guard patrol gunboat BRP Alberto Navarrete (PG 394), the two countries’ Coast Guardsmen discussed hidden compartments on drug boats, international law, handcuffing procedures, defensive tactics, and escorts.

"Our mission is to search any vessel we think may cause trouble to our country," said Ens. Christopher M. Meniado from the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Limasawa (AE 79). He said their Coast Guard looks for drug smugglers and illegal fishermen. Once spotted, they must take action. "We really need updates on the latest developments in law enforcement and the use of force," added Lt. j.g. Angel Z. Viliran, who serves aboard BRP Corregidor (AE 891) stationed at Sangley Point, Philippines.

"Boarding and search and seizure will always be a part of our jobs," stated Lt. Cmdr. Salvador N. Cuba, Deputy Director of Training and Doctrine Development of the Philippines Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). "The legal implications of our actions are very important."

Lt. Cmdr. Cuba worked the U.S. Coast Guard’s practical exercises into the summer curriculum of the NETC, where future naval officers train. The officer candidates said the time they spend with the Americans not only serves them in the fleet, but will also serve the Filipino people. "If we don’t catch the drugs on these boats, they could possibly get into the population here," noted Aldrin Francis V. Cadisal, a current NETC student.

Another dimension of CARAT training involved the two nations’ naval elites, their sea-air-land (SEAL) teams. Ten Philippine and 11 U.S. SEALs participated in a 30-hour Philippine training course in jungle familiarization and basic survival skills.

Divers aboard USS Safeguard (ARS 50) worked in tandem with their Filipino counterparts to conduct sea dives. The combined divers completed 20 scuba dives, nine surface supplied dives and more than 800 minutes of time on the bottom.

"I am proud to proclaim that exercise CARAT has been a resounding success," said Capt. Mariano S. Sontillanosa, Exercise Director for the Philippine Navy. "Definitely, the Filipinos have learned a lot from this experience. This is a very good groundwork for our preparation towards the modernization of our armed forces."

Col. Richard M. Luage, the Philippines Marine Corps Exercise Director said, "We welcome the United States Marine Corps to come back and train with us anytime they want." After the Philippines, the task group moved to Thailand for another phase of CARAT 2000.

CARAT Thailand 2000

Adm. Preecha Phungsuwan, Deputy Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Richard E. Hecklinger, officially opened the exercise in Sattahip, Thailand. "This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience and expertise as well as interoperability between the two forces," said Adm. Preecha on the sixth anniversary of the combined exercise.