U.S., Canadian, Thai Navies Sharpen Maritime Capabilities During Exercise CARAT Thailand

The United States concluded the landmark 32nd iteration of Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand, July 15, in Sattahip, Thailand, reinforcing America’s enduring commitment to a free, open and secure Pacific region.

Over 10 days of at-sea and shore-based training with the Royal Thai Navy and Royal Canadian Navy, U.S and partner forces sharpened the combined maritime capabilities that underpin regional security cooperation.  

This year, the United States expanded its contribution to the exercise, demonstrating the breadth and integration of American maritime power. U.S. forces participated with a multimission P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters the USCGC Emlen Tunnell and the USCGC Charles Moulthrope assigned to the Expeditionary Cutter Squadron. 

These units operated with a Royal Thai Navy surface force, including the frigate HTMS Taksin and the frigate HTMS Saiburi.

“It’s been an honor to operate with our Royal Thai Navy partners for the 32nd iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Mike Ross, commodore of Expeditionary Cutter Squadron. “We were given the opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the Coast Guard fast response cutters, which we plan to maximize to further partnerships and address shared maritime concerns.” 

The at-sea phase in Sattahip and the Gulf of Thailand included complex training scenarios focused on antisubmarine warfare, air defense, surface action group coordination, mine countermeasures and search and rescue training. These exercises advanced the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian and Thai forces’ abilities to refine their tactics, techniques and procedures in a dynamic maritime environment.

Beyond the at-sea exercises, CARAT Thailand fostered strong relationships through a variety of shore-based activities in Sattahip and Songkhla, including community service projects, sports days and cultural exchanges. 

Subject matter expert exchanges and practical education sessions covered crucial topics such as maritime domain awareness, medicine and at-sea explosive ordnance disposal, further enhancing interoperability and knowledge sharing. Additionally, the Royal Canadian Navy expanded the scope of the exercise by providing members of a visit, board, search and seizure team to participate in collaborative training events alongside regional partners.

CARAT Thailand is a long-standing exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner maritime forces’ abilities to operate together in response to shared challenges in the region. 

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed destroyer squadron in Southeast Asia, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 7 remains committed to building partnerships and promoting maritime security throughout the region.