Cambodia and the US began a week-long naval exercise at Ream Naval Base in the southwest province of Preah Sihanouk. (Source: defence.pk) Hanoi (VNA) – Cambodia and the US began a week-long naval exercise at Ream Naval Base in the southwest province of Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia, on October 31.
According to a press release of the US Embassy in Cambodia, the 7th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise aims to increase cooperation to enhance maritime security between the two countries’ navies.
About 150 US sailors and 200 Royal Cambodian sailors are participating in the drill. Many of the US service members and their equipment arrived in Cambodia aboard the USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3), a Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport.
CARAT provides a unique opportunity to work alongside and learn from the Royal Cambodian Navy, and build upon our core expeditionary capabilities, said Capt. Erich Diehl, commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific of the US.
The benefit is mutual, and ensures a strong collective capacity to employ our maritime capability most effectively, he added.-VNA
