DILI, 22 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The U.S. Navy (USN) and the Timor-Leste Defense Forces (F-FDTL) launched the 14th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Timor-Leste 2025 with an opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Dili.
“We look forward to conducting our 14th CARAT exercise with our partners here in Timor-Leste,” said Capt. Matt Scarlett, commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 and head of the U.S. delegation. “By addressing shared challenges together, we broaden our knowledge and sharpen our skills to help secure a more stable maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.”
U.S. assets participating in the exercise include the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20); a P-8A Poseidon attached to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72; personnel from the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team – Pacific (FASTPAC); members of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band; and a U.S. Coast Guard visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team. Timorese participation includes divers, EOD technicians, the F-FDTL band, and a medical team.
During the shore phase, U.S. and Timorese service member subject matter experts will exchange knowledge on legal, medical, diving and salvage, port security, and force-protection topics. Sailors will also take part in community relations events (COMRELs) to strengthen the people-to-people connections that underpin the U.S.-Timorese partnership.
“In defense, bilateral cooperation has consistently supported the development of F-FDTL capabilities through training programs, technical assistance, and exercises such as CARAT,” said Lieutenant General Falur Rate Laek, F-FDTL’s Chief of Defense. “This support has been invaluable in building professional defense forces capable of ensuring national security and contributing to regional stability.”
CARAT Timor-Leste is designed to promote regional security cooperation, strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance interoperability. This year marks the 31st iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series that enhances the ability of the U.S. and partner navies to operate together in response to shared maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as Commander, Task Force 76 Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT.
The U.S. 7th Fleet is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and regularly works with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
