CARAT–21 exercise gets underway in Trincomalee with US and Japan

The inauguration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercise-2021 popularly known as CARAT got underway at Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee today with the participation by the Sri Lanka Navy, United States 7th Fleet and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF).

The sequential phases of this naval exercise are scheduled to take place until 30th June 2021 in the Trincomalee harbour and off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, working shoulder-to-shoulder in their commitment to expand relationships and broaden maritime awareness

Among the main objectives of CARAT–21; enhancing maritime engagement and interoperability, fostering greater coordination in shared maritime challenges, gaining a better understanding of the operational environment, enhancing mutual capability in maritime security cooperation, operating in line with international law, norms and standards, facilitating the linkages between maritime components and law enforcement authorities as well as deepening partnership among the Sri Lanka Navy, US Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force are chief.

The naval exercise will feature a variety of joint training opportunities, to include Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Maritime Aviation, Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Surface TRACKEX, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), Search and Rescue (SAREX) and a wide range of naval exercises which are expected to be conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols in effect due to pandemic concerns.

Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, the Offshore Patrol Vessels- SLNS Sayurala and Gajabahu are taking part in CARAT–21, whereas Sri Lanka Air Force is providing air assets that of Bell 212 and 412 helicopters as well as B 200 Beechcraft for the exercise.

Working through coordinated deployment of naval and air assets; the United States 7th Fleet augments the exercise with USS Charleston (LCS 18) – a Littoral Combat Ship, Boeing P-8 Poseidon – a Maritime Patrol Aircraft and an MH-60S helicopter. Apart from that JDS Yugiri – a destroyer and an MH - 60R helicopter from the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force are also expected to join the exercise.