CARAT INFORMATIONBACKGROUND
The combined exercise between the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and the US. Forces under the code “CARAT 2008” (CO-OPERATION AFLOAT READINESS AND TRAINIG 2008) is a bilateral exercise. In each year the US. Forces who initiates the CARAT exercise, conducts several exercises
with many friendly countries in the South East Asia under the same acronym “CARAT”. For example, this year is CARAT 2008.
This annual exercise between the RTN and the US. Forces began in 1995 and has been conducted consecutively until present, the Tenth. The Frigate Squadron One and the Frigate Squadron Two of the Royal Thai Fleet take turn in taking responsibility for the combined exercise
OBJECTIVES
The CARAT exercise that emphasizes on many areas of naval operations offers an excellent opportunity to both US and Thai military personnel for exchanging knowledge, improving skills, and efficiency in operation planning, shipboard operations, amphibious operations, special warfare, weapons training, humanitarian operations and public affairs, as well as anti-terrorism. The ultimate objective is to strengthen a good relation and to enhance interoperability between Thai and US.
PARTICIPANTS
The participants consist of:
1. Thai Forces 2,600 RTN troops taking part in the exercise, including members of;
1.1 H.T.M.S. Phuttha Yotfa Chulalok
1.2 H.T.M.S. Taksin
1.3 H.T.M.S. Rathana kosin
1.4 H.T.M.S. Surin
1.5 H.T.M.S. Thalang
1.6 H.T.M.S. Bangrachan
1.7 H.T.M.S. Nongsarai
1.8 Four Mine Sweepers coastal ship
1.9 RTN. Coast Guard
1.10 Fishing boat
1.11 5 Aircrafts (1xAV-8S, 1xP-3T, 2xS-70B, 1xS-76B)
1.12 Landing Forces with AAV.
1.13 Special Warfare Squadron
1.14 Underwater Warfare Squadron and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team
1.15 Observed mine Laying Team
1.16 Engineering Corps and Royal Thai Marines Corps Mobile Medical Team
2. US. Forces 2,000 US troops taking part in the exercise, including members of;
2.1 USS RUSSELL (DDG-59)
2.2 USS McCAMPBELL (DDG-85)
2.3 USS FORT McHENRY (LSD-43)
2.4 USS. SALVOR (ARS-52)
2.5 USCGC. MELLON (WHEC-717)
2.6 2 Aircrafts (1xP-3C, 1xSH-60B)
2.7 1 – 2 LCAC
2.8 NCB
2.9 MEDICAL/DENTAL TEAM
2.10 MDSU
2.11 MOMAU
2.12 TARGET DET
2.13 C7F
2.14 NCIS
2.15 USCG
Photos will come soon!!!!
http://www.navy.mi.th/frigate2/Carat2008/carat2008.htm
