U.S. Navy arrive in Brunei for CARAT 2010 exercise

Three navy ships of the United States had arrived in Brunei to take part in the annual bilateral naval exercise, Brunei media reported on Wednesday.

With the arrival of three U.S. navy ships; USS Vandegrift, USS Tortuga and USCGC Mellon, the 16th series of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2010 exercise began on Monday, The Brunei Times said.

According to the report, the CARAT 2010 took place at several training locations of Royal Brunei Armed Forces in the sultanate for eight days, both at sea and ashore.

The exercise is designed to enhance U.S. sailors' understanding of Southeast Asian culture in the event the navies are called upon to work together in real-world operations.

As part of the CARAT 2010 program, 32 U.S. Navy personnel also conducted community service in the sultanate.

The troops participated in activities with the students and teachers of Sultan Umar Ali Saifuddien primary school in Muara district to learn about Brunei culture.

Source: Xinhua