The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and the Malaysian Armed Forces launched the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, marking the beginning of an eight-day maritime engagement aimed at enhancing military interoperability and fortifying security alliances between the two nations. This year’s CARAT exercise carries special significance as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of the CARAT program, underscoring three decades of collaboration, shared strategic goals, and mutual respect between the United States and Malaysia.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise series, which is a testament to the strength and longevity of the U.S.-Malaysia partnership,” said Capt. John Baggett, deputy commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7, and U.S. head of delegation, during the opening ceremony. “Over the past three decades, we’ve built a strong foundation of trust and cooperation that has benefited both of our nations. Exercises like this underscore the excellent partnership between our militaries and emphasize our respect for one another.”
CARAT Malaysia 2024 represents a continuation of 67 years of close collaboration between the U.S. and Malaysia, spotlighting the shared dedication to ensuring regional stability, peace, and security. Additionally, it serves as a potent symbol of U.S. commitment to supporting Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality, further reinforcing a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The CARAT exercise series is central to U.S.-Malaysia defense relations. Rooted in maritime security and regional stability, CARAT is a key aspect of broader defense initiatives in Southeast Asia. This collaboration comes at a time when both nations seek to address heightened regional tensions and global security challenges. By integrating operational capabilities, CARAT Malaysia builds a foundation for mutual cooperation, making both militaries better prepared for emerging threats.
Highlighting the program’s strategic goals, First Admiral Hj Muhammad Rohdi bin Ariffin, assistant chief of staff, Joint Force Headquarters and Malaysian head of delegation, emphasized the importance of cooperative operations. “CARAT serves as a vital platform for our armed forces to engage in cooperative operations. It emphasizes our shared dedication to promoting stability and addressing shared challenges in our maritime domain. We are privileged to host our friends from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This exercise showcases the strength of our partnership and the spirit of collaboration… Together we can overcome challenges and ensure a stable future for all,” Rohdi said during the ceremony.
CARAT Malaysia 2024 includes advanced training exercises across a wide range of maritime and security disciplines. From anti-submarine and anti-air warfare to maritime surveillance, these exercises are designed to hone the skills of U.S. and Malaysian forces in an array of combat scenarios. This year’s training will include specialized teams—such as diving and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units—engaged in high-intensity drills across critical naval warfare areas.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Practicing detection, tracking, and neutralizing enemy submarines.
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW): Focused on tactics for intercepting surface threats.
- Anti-Air Warfare (AAW): Engaging airborne threats with comprehensive defense strategies.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Surveillance and intelligence-sharing to enhance security across regional waters.
Additionally, forces will participate in comprehensive sessions covering force protection, medical response, legal operations, aviation safety, and cyber operations. Each facet of the CARAT exercise is tailored to build interoperability between forces and reinforce real-time coordination in a crisis scenario.
CARAT Malaysia 2024 showcases some of the most advanced technology and vessels in the U.S. and Malaysian navies. Leading the U.S. contingent is the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, as well as personnel from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet; Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, 73, 75, and 76; Command, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7; and Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) personnel from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. DESRON 7, the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed squadron in Southeast Asia, plays a critical role as the primary tactical and operational commander, facilitating these exercises to ensure readiness.
Malaysian assets include the Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel KD Terengganu (F 174), the Keris-class littoral mission ship KD Rencong (KD 114), a Eurocopter AS 550 Fennec helicopter, and two Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters, as well as an F/A-18D Hornet multi-role fighter. This impressive assembly of assets from both nations signifies their commitment to maintaining a strong and agile defense posture in the region.
In addition to naval exercises, this year’s CARAT includes training modules specifically designed for personnel development and expert exchanges. For instance, the Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) is engaging in training sessions with the Malaysian Army and Navy, focusing on amphibious operations planning, maritime medical response, legal frameworks, security, and cyber operations.
These sessions are invaluable for enhancing understanding between U.S. and Malaysian forces, providing each side with insight into the operational and strategic approaches of the other. The interoperability that results from such training is essential in today’s complex security environment, where regional and global threats demand collaborative responses.
One of the enduring principles of CARAT is its commitment to ASEAN partners, and this year’s exercise reinforces that foundational element. The program’s longevity highlights the continued relevance of ASEAN centrality, which both the U.S. and Malaysia uphold as a stabilizing factor in Southeast Asia. CARAT Malaysia serves as a reminder of the U.S. commitment to fostering relationships across ASEAN to collectively ensure an Indo-Pacific that is free, open, and secure.
The U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, plays a pivotal role in fostering these alliances across the Indo-Pacific. Tasked with maintaining security in one of the world’s busiest maritime regions, the 7th Fleet operates in concert with ASEAN and other regional partners, emphasizing collaboration, stability, and rapid response to shared security concerns.
The CARAT exercise series has evolved significantly over the past three decades, adapting to new security landscapes and expanding to meet the demands of a changing geopolitical environment. While it began as a bilateral naval exercise, CARAT has grown into a comprehensive security collaboration, including exercises with multiple ASEAN countries, each benefiting from shared training and cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
This year’s iteration highlights a mutual interest in expanding the scope of CARAT to include advanced cyber and legal operations, demonstrating how military partnerships are adapting to face the evolving challenges of modern warfare. The inclusion of cybersecurity, in particular, reflects a growing recognition of its importance in maintaining regional security and resilience against digital threats.
The messages from U.S. and Malaysian leaders at the CARAT Malaysia 2024 opening ceremony highlight the enduring unity and commitment of both nations to regional stability. Capt. Baggett’s comments underscored the decades of shared learning and trust between the two militaries, affirming that the relationship is built not only on joint exercises but also on deep-rooted mutual respect. First Admiral Hj Muhammad Rohdi bin Ariffin’s remarks reflected Malaysia’s appreciation for the collaborative spirit that CARAT embodies, emphasizing the shared vision for a stable and prosperous future.
