The U.S. Navy and Timor-Leste Defense Force are collaborating in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise in Timor-Leste, marking the 30th year of this exercise series. The weeklong event focuses on enhancing cooperation to address shared maritime security challenges in the region.
The exercise began with members of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company-Pacific (FASTPAC) participating in a sports day alongside members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Timor-Leste Defence Force at the National Stadium of Timor-Leste.
Highlighting over two decades of diplomatic relations between the United States and Timor-Leste, this year's exercise emphasizes innovative naval capabilities. It features cooperative activities that demonstrate both nations' ability to collaborate on common goals for ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific as well as a stable international system.
“By working together, we demonstrate our resolve to uphold the principles of sovereignty, respect for international law, and the free passage of commerce,” stated Eric Sheffield, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Dili. “Our combined efforts show we stand united and resolute in the face of any challenges to regional stability and security.”
Now celebrating its 30th year, CARAT exercises aim to address shared maritime security concerns while strengthening partnerships among regional navies. These exercises involve complex training scenarios designed to enhance bilateral forces' ability to cooperate on various traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.
DESRON 7 serves as a key tactical and operational commander within Southeast Asia for littoral combat ships deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area. It functions as Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s Sea Combat Commander while fostering partnerships through training exercises and military engagements.
The U.S. 7th Fleet is noted as being the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet within the U.S. Navy, frequently interacting with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.