DESRON 7 commodore captain Tom Ogden remarks virtually to US and Indonesian military personnel during the opening ceremony for CARAT Indonesia 2021. Credit: US Navy photo by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Griffin Nosenzo.

The US and Indonesian military workforce have virtually commenced Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2021 Indonesia.

The exercise began in the Indonesian city of Surabaya and in the waters and airspace of the Java Sea on 1 November.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

In the 11-day drill, the US and Indonesian forces will work together towards achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific maritime security environment.

Participants of the exercise include US personnel from the 7th Fleet, Marine Forces Pacific, CTF 72, CTF 76, DESRON 7, CTF 73, CTF 75, US 7th Fleet Band and US Embassy Jakarta.

The US naval assets and aircraft taking part in the drill include Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson, embarked MH-60S Seahawk helicopter of HSC Squadron 23, Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 commodore captain Tom Ogden said: “Strong relationships are built on trust and developed through demonstrated actions and consistent and thoughtful discourse.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“These strong relationships are the foundation on which security, stability, and prosperity flourish.

“CARAT Indonesia is a perfect venue for the US and Indonesia to address mutual maritime security concerns, and to expand our cooperation in South-East Asia.”

The at-sea phase of the exercise will be held in the Java Sea, where US Navy’s assets will join the Indonesian Navy’s vessels and aircraft.

The exercise was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, this year’s CARAT Indonesia is being held by following safety mitigation measures to contain the spread of the virus.

During the opening ceremony, Second Fleet Command Chief of Staff TNI-AL first admiral Rachmad Jayadi said: “CARAT 2021 is a forum for military-to-military cooperation between Indonesia and US, especially the Indonesian navy and US seventh fleet bilateral programme.

“This joint exercise aims to improve the capabilities of the navy personnel in the field of warfare capability and become a place for sharing our knowledge and enhancing the skills of naval warfare, as well as interoperability in facing maritime security challenges in the two countries.”

In 2018, the US Navy and the Timor-Leste Defense Force conducted the 24th iteration of the CARAT exercise at Port Hera Navy Base in Timor-Leste.