The 30th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the United States Navy (USN) concluded yesterday with a closing ceremony at Wira Seni Concert Hall, RBAF Band Building, Bolkiah Garrison.
Deputy Joint Force Commander RBAF Colonel Aldi bin Haji Hassan and Commanding Officer of the Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia Colonel Stuart W Glenn delivered closing addresses. United States (US) Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn McClelland, along with participants from both nations, were also in attendance.
Colonel Aldi emphasised the importance of bilateral ties between Brunei Darussalam and the US, highlighting CARAT’s role in enhancing regional stability and security through strengthened interoperability and professional collaboration.
He also underlined the relevance of the Brunei Defence White Paper 2021 and Brunei Vision 2035, aligning CARAT’s objectives with the nation’s strategic goals of fostering regional partnerships and contributing to regional security.
Meanwhile, Colonel Glenn highlighted the importance of the CARAT exercise as a platform for meaningful interaction, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning, which bolster the partnership between the two armed forces. He said the partnership, built on mutual respect, shared understanding, and common interests, is rooted in the collective pursuit of peace.
The CARAT exercise featured a range of activities, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), operational training, and community engagement programmes. The initiatives aimed to enhance cooperation, build professional skills and strengthen ties among participants, while also benefiting the community.
The successful completion of the CARAT exercise reflects the shared commitment of the RBAF and USN to advancing maritime security and promoting regional stability. – James Kon
