Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy has asked its US counterpart to step up their joint exercises according to the pattern and future threats, especially in facing maritime security.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Soeparno said here Tuesday the increase included surface, submarine combat and logistics.

After opening a sports week of the navy, he said increase in the exercises was important to increasing capabilities and skills.

"The US navy has some superiority in certain lines, and we have asked them to teach it in the joint exercises," Soeparno said.

The two navies have been holding regular joint exercises themed Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).

This year the exercises had been focused in the Java Sea for field manoeuvres and in several points in Jakarta and environment on land.

The exercises on land consisted of exchanges in technical matters and damage control, general and dental medical social services.

At sea exercises cover the development of maritime security, exchanges in information, joint sea operations, patrol exercises and the use of cannons, and anti piracy and smuggling exercises.

With regard to the US navy`s response to the Indonesian navy`s request, Admiral Soeparno said they fully agreed and ready for meeting it in next year`s exercises. "And they will even involve their submarines."

In this year`s CARAT, 1,600 US navy personnel and marines will take part in CARAT 2011.

The US warships taking part in the exercises are USS Tortuga (LSD 46), guided missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), and frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57).

There will also be marine amphibious landing troops, U.S. Navy Seabees, P-3C Orion, and SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

In the meantime the Indonesian navy will involve four warships, three choppers and five landing boats.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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