DILI, 10 february 2023 (TATOLI) – The United States (U.S.) and Timor-Leste will hold the Cooperation Afloat and Readiness Training (CARAT) joint military exercise from February 10 to february 15 2023.
A press release seen by TATOLI, stated that this military exercise will further deepen the U.S.-Timorese security partnership by promoting security cooperation, maintaining and strengthening maritime partnerships, and enhancing maritime inter-operability.
“The exercise will commence with the arrival of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha Navy ship, and a friendly soccer match between members of the U.S. military and the F-FDTL at the National Stadium,” The statement said.
It explained that During the exercise, 100 Defense Force (F-FDTL) service members plus members of the National Police (PNTL) members will participate in a series of training on board the USS John P Murtha and at Hera Naval Base. The training will advance regional maritime security by enhancing capabilities in areas such as maritime domain awareness, information sharing, combat medical treatment, helicopter-borne assault operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and diving operations. The U.S. service members that will participate in the exercise are part of the U.S. Navy’s Destroyer Squadron 7 and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, capable of conducting wide-ranging operations from combat missions to humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
“Our longstanding security cooperation is helping Timor-Leste strengthen its ability to better monitor its territory, respond to natural disasters, and promote economic development,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley.
“Through this joint exercise, we hope that Timor-Leste will be better positioned to defend its citizens, protect its sovereignty, and advance its national interests. Ultimately, our support is grounded in a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region where governments can make their own sovereign choices and where shared domains are governed lawfully.”
The CARAT exercise builds on the growing U.S.-Timorese security partnership, most notably the U.S. commitment of over $23 million to jointly rehabilitate with the Government of Timor-Leste the Baucau airport. Through the creation of an Air Component, the project will assist the F-FDTL and help the Timorese government better monitor its maritime territory, respond to natural disasters, and promote economic development. As part of the U.S.-Timor-Leste security partnership, the United States conducts three annual military exercises with the F-FDTL and hosts numerous service members in the United States for English language and professional military education. The U.S. Navy Seabees have also constructed or rehabilitated over 100 projects, including clinics and schools valued at over $60 million throughout Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
