Capt. Gary W. Erickson,
Commander of Destroyer Squadron 1, led the U.S. CARAT Task Group that
included the landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and the frigates USS
Curts (FFG 38) and USS Wadsworth (FFG 9), all from San Diego.
Rear Adm. Mark Edwards, who oversees this annual exercise series and
is Commander of Task Force 712 based in Singapore, noted that, “This
part of the world is very important strategically, and we have to take
advantage of every opportunity possible to get to know each other.
CARAT gives us that opportunity. I expect when we’re called
on to work together, it will be many countries throughout the region
answering the call.”
CARAT 2001 marked the seventh round in the CARAT series. It involved
hundreds of military and civilian members from the six Southeast Asia
countries and more than 1,400 U.S. military personnel. Military
leaders of the participating countries coordinated closely in planning
the CARAT exercise series, strengthening regional cooperation.
Just as important as the military exercises were the humanitarian efforts
and community relations conducted within each series. They included,
among other things, activities by U.S. doctors, dentists, veterinarians
and Seabees, and entertainment by the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet
Orient Express band based in Yokosuka, Japan. Local medical personnel,
engineers and other community service personnel worked closely with
their U.S. counterparts to serve each community in unique ways.
“The exercise was an overwhelming success,” said Capt. Erickson.
“It was truly the best CARAT exercise among the seven that have
executed together.” Military leaders from the six Southeast
Asian countries echoed these sentiments. Ydm Pehin Datu Penglima
Col. (L) Abdul Jalil bin Hj Ahmad, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy,
said, “[The exercise’s] importance has always been valued,
not only for its operational and tactical training, but also for creating
mutual understanding and friendship between the two forces. More
importantly, it would further strengthen defense relations between our
countries, in particular between the United States Armed Forces and
the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.”
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