Students at the school in Sungai Jin play a game of Frisbee with a U.S. Navy sailor. Photo by JOC Melinda Larson, USNR

As their RMN teammate keeps the volleyball in play, U.S. Navy members keep their eye on the ball during a sports day event. Photo by JOC Melinda Larson, USNR

Malaysia Phase of CARAT Closes At-Sea
The closing ceremony for CARAT Malaysia 2004 occurred aboard the RMN’s support ship KD Mahawangsa (AOR 1504), anchored off the island of Tioman in the South China Sea. Addressing about 200 RMN and U.S. forces, Gen. Muhamad Effendi bin Mustaffa, Commander of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces 10th Paratrooper Brigade, said, “For the last 10 days or so, our armed forces have worked together in the conduct of combined exercises in our effort to further improve combined capabilities and interoperability. Sincerely, we, the Malaysian Armed Forces, have learned much from the United States forces, especially on the conduct of amphibious operations. Hopefully you have also shared our experiences in other maritime and air-related operations,” added Gen. Muhamad. “I strongly believe that we have a better understanding and improved our capability in combined and joint operations through various activities.”

Also commenting on the successes of CARAT Malaysia 2004, U.S. Navy Capt. Lothrop S. “Buzz” Little, Commander of Destroyer Squadron One and the U.S. CARAT Task Group, told attendees, “[CARAT] demonstrates our navies’ commitment to not only sharing information and situational awareness, but also the common goal of securing international seas and channels of commerce.”

Because of the strategic location of Malaysia, Gen. Muhamad said his country must always be in a full state of readiness along with the cooperation of friends and allies. “The current global trends seem to demonstrate much emphasis on interdependence and cooperation to achieve better results and heighten sustainability,” he noted. “I envisage that future CARAT exercise would be further expanded to meet our national and defense policy. Your presence and contribution in this region will enhance maintaining security, peace, and stability in the region.”

RMN Capt. Ismail bin Hamzah, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations at RMN headquarters and Commander, Combined Joint Task Force during the Malaysian phase of CARAT 2004, presents an exercise photo album to his deputy during the exercise, U.S. Navy Capt. Lothrop S. “Buzz” Little, Commander of Destroyer Squadron One and the U.S. CARAT Task Group, at the closing ceremony aboard the RMN support ship KD Mahawangsa (AOR 1504). Photo by JOC Melinda Larson, USNR

A Malaysian soldier and a U.S. sailor prepare medicines during a combined Malaysian-U.S. medical/dental project in Sungai Mas. Photo by JOC Melinda Larson, USNR