U.S., Cambodian naval forces to jointly conduct exercise next week

Xinhua | 2012-10-20
By Agencies

Members of the United States Navy aboard the USVandegrift will join the Royal Cambodian Navy to conduct an exercise from Oct. 22-26 in Cambodia's Sihanoukville in order to boost naval cooperation, according to a press release from the US Embassy to Cambodia on Saturday.

The third Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia exercise will focus on enhancing maritime security skills through activities such as maritime interdiction, diving and salvage operations, maneuvering, and disaster response, the press release said.

In addition, the five-day exercise aims to increase cooperation, promote understanding, and build trust between the US and Cambodian navies through sports and social events.

CARAT 2012 will also improve relationships with the civilian community through community service projects, it said, adding that the US Navy's Seventh Fleet Band will give a free public concert in Kampot province's Kampot town at the provincial roundabout near the stadium next Wednesday night.

In 2010, Cambodia participated in the CARAT exercise for the first time. Other CARAT participants include Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, and Timor- Leste, the press release said.

Since 1995, CARAT exercises have taken place on an annual basis in the Southeast Asia region.