CARAT (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Braining) 97 was the third year the U.S. Pacific Fleet provided bilateral at-sea and in-port training events for Southeast Asia countries, CARAT 97 centered on the amphibious ship USS Frederick (LST 1184).

In the summer of 1997, four Asia-Pacific nations participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 97. CARAT 97 marked the third consecutive year these significant multilateral exercises have been conducted with naval and marine forces from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. The purpose of CARAT 97 was to promote cooperation and goodwill, and to offer mutually beneficial training opportunities in the Southeast Asian region.

CARAT 97 lasted approximately six weeks and included in-port training events in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and unique and tailored bilateral at-sea training exercises in Malaysia and Thailand. During the Malaysian phase of CARAT 97, the KD Sri Banggi, a Royal Malaysian Navy LST, the Fourth Royal Malaysian Regiment (RMR), and the USS Frederick (LST 1184), a U.S. amphibious ship, trained together. Additional U.S. ships which participated in CARAT 97 include USS Safeguard (ARS 50), USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), USS Wadsworth (FFG 9), and USCGC Chase (WHEC 718). The USS Frederick embarked its U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) counterpart, known as Landing Force CARAT from 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, Hawaii, to conduct exercises with the host nation ground forces.

The focus of CARAT 97 was on amphibious operations, but also included flight operations and formation steaming with Royal Malaysian Navy ships and U.S. Navy ships. A Royal Malaysian Air Force S-61 helicopter conducted deck landing qualifications on board the USS Frederick. During the in-port period, several high ranking Malaysian naval officers observed U.S. military LST capabilities, including beaching operations, bow ramp operations, advance force insertion, and amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) launch and recovery.

The U.S. Marines on board the USS Frederick worked closely with the 4th RMR. Two platoons of U.S. Marines stayed ashore to receive Malaysia's refresher training in basic jungle survival techniques and counterinsurgency tactics. "This training was extremely valuable. For example, in past jungle warfare training, I was taught all the different types of plants not to eat. The Malaysians instead taught us how to test a plant to see if it is edible, so you don't have to remember as much information," explained U.S. Marine 2nd. Lt. Jason Star.

Ninety-five personnel from the 4th RMR spent the underway period on the USS Frederick. The Malaysians did not have prior AAV experience and, therefore, spent three days training with the USMC on AAV operations and amphibious assaults. The training culminated in their participation in an actual amphibious assault exercise.

The USS Frederick also trained for eleven days with the Royal Thai Navy in Sattahip, Thailand. While in-port, the USS Frederick crew performed a mass casualty drill. The crew simulated a helicopter crash with over 50 casualties. Royal Thai Navy medical personnel then observed how the American medical technicians and stretcher bearers treated and evacuated the casualties.

HTMS Sichang, a Royal Thai Navy LST, conducted exercises with the USS Frederick during the underway period. There were also two beach assaults with the Royal Thai Marines. Again, the first assault was a rehearsal and the second was an actual beach landing and movement ashore. On the day of the actual assault, each ship launched AAVs fully loaded with Marines in a coordinated effort. An Explosive Ordinance Disposal team set up explosive devices which detonated as the AAVs landed, simulating actual combat conditions. As the Thai and the American AAVs assaulted the beach together, two Thai A-7s flew overhead.

CARAT 97 was a complete success for all participants, both navy and Marine. 2nd. Lt. Star concluded, "It was a fine opportunity to train with professional military forces and have a mutual exchange of ideas and understanding." All countries involved gained valuable experience and knowledge from each other.