U.S. and Cambodian navies begin CARAT 2015 training

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy began training with the Royal Cambodian Navy, commencing the 6th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training program in Cambodia.

The exercise, also known as CARAT began its sixth year with an opening ceremony held at the Royal Cambodian Ream Navy Base. CARAT Cambodia will include five days of events both in port and at sea, scheduled to end November 20. Participants will take par in training in damage control, navigation, tactical combat casualty care, force protection, and other events.

"CARAT enables us to develop strong relationships with our Cambodian Navy partners," Rear Adm. Charlie Williams said in a statement. "Through persistent presence and relationships, we continue to make steady progress in increasing the complexity of our training and enhancing cooperation between our navies."

The exercise will involve around 500 sailors in total, with the U.S. Navy supplying around 200 and the Royal Cambodian Navy sending approximately 300. U.S. Navy ships to participate in CARAT Cambodia 2015 include Littoral Combat Ship USS Fort Worth and USNS Safeguard.

CARAT is an annual training event between the U.S. Navy and many armed forces from Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor Leste.