Surabaya, E.Java (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy and the US Navy are holding a joint exercise codenamed CARAT (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) 2015 to strengthen the bilateral relations and maintain the stability in the Southeast Asia region.
The joint exercise lasts for 14 days from July 27 to August 10, 2015, spokesperson of the Indonesian Navy Lt. Col. Maman Sulaeman said here Tuesday.
Assistant Operations Rear Admiral Arie Henrycus Sembiring explained the program has a very important role, not only to improve the professionalism but also to strengthen the bilateral relations between Indonesia and the United States.
"CARAT 2015 is the implementation of bilateral relations in terms of defense with the aim of improving the quality, professionalism, and coordination in the field of maritime," he said.
At the CARAT program titled Engineer Enclosure, the Indonesian Navy involves CN-235, NBO-105, BELL-412, NC-212-200, 1 FFG (Van Speijk class), MRLF, Corvette (Sigma grade), LPD, submarine, and one marine battalion (350 personnel).
In addition, one platoon of engineers (60 personnel), a force protection detachment (35 personnel), three teams of special command force for serial exercise riverine (21 personnel), two diving teams (eight personnel each team), 16 training personnel (eight divers, eight special command forces), and a marine band team.
Meanwhile, the US Navy involves Task Force-73, the USNS Safeguard, DDG (1 helicopters equipped MH-60R), LCS (MH-60R helicopters equipped), SSN, LSD, USMC (300 personnel), Pesud P-3 / P 8, Survey / Beach Master, Seventh Fleet Band, a Riverine Detachment, a Seabee Detachment, a VBSS team, one MDSU Battalion, a Force Protection Detachment, and the UAV MQ-8 Firescout.
The training materials to be developed in the exercise included the ability to apply and develop doctrine, tactics and procedures at sea operations in accordance with the reference, as well as technical and tactical cooperation among personnel of the Indonesian Navy and the US Navy in implementating public services, including social service and school visits. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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