The joint exercise themed "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training" (CARAT) was divided into two phases, namely ground and marine activities, Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) spokesman Commodore Tri Prasodjo said here on Friday.
The ground activities covered an exchange program in the field of technical matters and damage control, and civic mission including public medical and dental services, he said.
He said the marine activities covered development of maritime capacity in terms of maritime security, information exchange, joint marine operations, patrol exercise, and anti-piracy and anti-smuggling exercises.
The routine joint exercise was aimed at preserving good ties between the two navies, achieving increased tactical coordination and cooperation among units at the Indonesian and US navies, and improving the professionalism of the two navies in carrying out joint operations, he said.
In addition, it was also designed to enable Indonesian naval personnel to absorb information technology and tactical procedure used by the US Navy both in war military operations and military operations other than war, he said.
CARAT was one of the factors supporting the US-Indonesia comprehensive partnership signed by President Barack Obama and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in November last year particularly to enhance cooperation between the two countries in maritime security and defence, he said.
Commander of the Task Force 73 Rear Admiral Thomas Carney who is also the acting chief of the exercise said: "We are waiting for joint operations with TNI AL this year. TNI AL has a lot of experience in anti-piracy operations and patrols in several of the world`s busiest sea lanes so we are looking forward to training this proficiency together."
"The US Navy and TNI AL have developed good training programs and we hope the two navies will learn from each other during the exercise, particularly in the sea," Carney said.
Around 1,600 personnel of the US Navy and Marine Corps are joining CARAT 2011. Among the US warships taking part in the exercise are dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), guided-missile destroyer USS HOWARD (DDG 83) and guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57). In addition, US Navy Seabees personnel, and SH-60 Seahawk helicopter are also taking part in the exercise.
Meanwhile, the TNI AL sent four warships, three helicopters and five landing craft air cushions to the exercise. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
