Philippine aviator Lt. Joseph Andres examines the cockpit of a P-3 Orion aircraft with U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Chris Easterling. PHOTO BY PH1 KIM MCLENDON, USNR

Children at the Special Education Center for the Gifted learn about life in the U.S. Navy from ET1 (SW/SS) Craig Daniel Elstat, USN. PHOTO BY PH1 KIM MCLENDON, USNR

Conclusion

As in past years, this year’s exercise was an overwhelming success.

CARAT 2002 improved communications among the armed forces of the participating countries, strengthened their military-related skills, and better prepared each nation for combined humanitarian, medical, and disaster relief activities as well as peacekeeping operations and national defense. CARAT 2002 further enhanced regional readiness and cooperation for a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region.