Sea phase of CARAT–21 commenced off Trincomalee
June 28, 2021The sea phase of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT-21) Exercise joined by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), United States (US) 7th Fleet and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) began off Trincomalee on June 26, the SLN said.
The SLN’s Offshore Patrol Vessels- SLNS Sayurala and Gajabahu and SLAF’s Bell 212 and 412 helicopters joined the exercise while the US 7th Fleet augmented the exercise with USS Charleston (LCS-18) a Littoral Combat Ship and its ship borne helicopter, the SLN added.
Apart from that, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon - a Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the US 7th Fleet took part in the air observer exercise, the SLN also said.
According to the Navy sources, on June 26, the exercise saw Divisional Tactics (DIVTACs) and Night Steaming exercises whereas Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Approaches and Leapfrogs, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) and Crossdeck Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs) drills were executed on the following day (27 June).
Meanwhile, the ship borne helicopter MH-60S of the USS Charleston and Bell 212 of SLAF in coordination with SLNS Gajabahu executed VERTREP exercises on June 27, whereas the MH-60S helicopter of US Navy and Bell 412 of SLAF conducted Crossdeck landings with SLNS Sayurala.
In the meantime, the Tracking Exercise (TRACKEX) is scheduled to be held today (28 June) and tomorrow and it will be joined by the Offshore Patrol Vessels; SLNS Sayurala and Gajabahu, B 200 Beechcraft from SLAF as well as USS Charleston and Boeing P-8A Poseidon of the US 7th Fleet. Further, JMSDF Ship Yuugiri (DD-153) a destroyer and a ship borne helicopter from the JMSDF are also expected to join the sea phase of the exercise in due course.
The naval exercise which also provides an opportunity to share new knowledge, tactics and experience would turn out to be useful for the SLN in future operations.
This multilateral naval exercise will be held until June 30, adhering to stipulated healthcare guidelines, the SLN confirmed.
