Thai, US navy forces conduct joint exercise

CHONBURI, THAILAND, May 19 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Navy and the US Navy and Marine Corps are conducting their joint annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, the 18th of its kind, in Sataheep of Thailand’s eastern seaside Chonburi province. The nine-day CARAT, starting from May 17, involves a combined 3,500 Thai and US navy personnel, focusing on Maritime Interception Operations, riverine, amphibious and undersea warfare operations, diving and salvage operations, naval gunnery and maneuvering events. Rear Admiral Paitoon Prasopsin, CARAT’s executive agent of Thailand, has acknowledged that Thai and the US Navies have maintained their strong ties through the annual exercises and other international operations, including the UN-led anti-piracy mission in Somalia, and that beside their military exercises, the Thai and US armed forces have also engaged in civic action projects beneficial to civilians. CARAT is a series of military exercises between the US Navy and many Asian countries, including Thailand, designed to enhance regional maritime security skills and operational cohesiveness. (TNA)