CARAT 2005 Launched To Target Sea Threats
By CT Hj Mahmod

Bandar Seri Begawan – The annual joint military exercise, CARAT 2005, kicked off yesterday on board the USS Harpers Ferry with a mission to test skills to fight sea-borne threats and transnational crimes at sea during the nine-day exercise in Brunei waters.

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise was officially opened by the Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, Colonel (L) Joharie bin Hj Matussin, who spoke of the long-standing and unique bilateral relationship shared by Brunei and the United States.

RADM Kevin M. Quinn, USN, Commander of 2005-CARAT Exercise also delivered his remarks. Also present were Commodore Buzz Little, USN Commander Destroyer Squadron One, and Gene Christy, US Ambassador to Brunei.

In addition to Brunei, this year's CARAT involves bilateral exchanges with Indonesia, Malaysia the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces has been participating in CARAT exercises since it was incepted in 1995. Prior to that the Royal Brunei Navy and US Navy had been conducting the joint naval exercise "Kingfisher" dating back to the early 1990s.

The USS Harpers Ferry, USS Safeguard, USS Rodney M Davis and USS Paul Hamilton are currently docked at the Muara Port. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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