Malaysian and U.S. naval divers make a 10-foot (3-meter) decompression stop during dive operations near Tioman Island, Malaysia. Photo by MMcM Jim Nichols, USN

USS Russell (DDG 59) crewmembers push a target off the ship’s flight deck for RMN-U.S. Navy weapons training during the at-sea portion of the exercise. Photo by Lt.j.j. Todd Spitler, USNR

The teams’ names for the tactical free play were “Orange Force” and “Blue Force.” Their mission was to attack or defend a specific area or target from the other team within a matter of hours. They worked under cover of night on the South China Sea. Maneuvering for position and tactical advantage, RMN and U.S. ships continuously reported their status, actions, and positions to the combat information center (CIC) on the USS Russell. “U.S. and RMN ships set out to lose one another through deceptive lighting, emissions, sounds – all devices to gain advantage,” said U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Jeff Sizemore.

Amid the high-tech computers, radar screens, and Malaysian and U.S. radio chatter, personnel stayed vigilant at their stations in the CIC, knowing this was part of the invaluable at-sea training for both forces. “The goal of each joint RMN-U.S. team is to have a common operational picture and to know what is out there,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Miguel Iniguez. “Ten years ago, teams were split up, country versus country. Today, we use teams made up of both nations, and jointly commanded to, for example, storm a beach and take out a terrorist training camp. In planning CARAT tactical free plays, we try to have real world issues dictate how our [free play] is designed for optimum training value,” said Lt. Iniguez.

Diving Operations
A seven-day salvage diving operation with USS Salvor (ARS 52) introduced RMN divers to U.S. underwater cutting and welding operations and recompression chamber procedures. The RMN and U.S. Navy divers dove together using U.S. Navy MK 21 diving equipment during diving operations off Malaysia’s Tioman Island.

Mock Amphibious Assault
About 150 members of the Royal Malay Regiment (RMR) arrived at Mersing Beach aboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) for a mock amphibious assault. Before the assault, the RMR troops spent three days aboard USS Fort McHenry preparing for the exercise. The personal and professional interaction helped both forces learn how the other operates.