DHAKA, Nov 4, 2019 (BSS) – A joint exercise titled ‘Cooperation Afloat
Readiness and Training (CARAT)- 2019’ between Bangladesh Navy and the US Navy
started today at Bangladesh Navy’s School of Maritime Warfare and Tactics
(SMWT) auditorium in Chattogram.
Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (operations) Bangladesh Navy Rear Admiral M
Makbul Hossain was present as the chief guest in the opening ceremony while
Rear Admiral Murray Tynch, commander logistic group, Western Pacific Command
Task Force 73 (CTF-73) of the US Navy was present as special guest.
Besides, all administrative authorities of Chattogram Naval Area,
representative of Armed Forces Division and senior officers of three services
were present, among others, said an ISPR press release.
Exercise CARAT is the biggest naval exercise between Bangladesh Navy and
the US Navy. In addition to Bangladesh Navy, US Navy operates this bilateral
exercise at various times along with other countries.
The exercise is being held mainly in two phases. In the first phase,
various preparations and coordination meetings were held under the pre-
training phase from November 2 to 3, 2019. The second phase is conducting
from November 4 to 7, 2019 with different subject-based training and
exercise, it said.
The main objective of the exercise is to further enhance the existing
bilateral relations between the US and Bangladesh Navy. Besides, it is an
opportunity to increase their capacity and to get acquainted with advanced
technology this will be accomplished through various theoretical and
practical training.
The exercise is being conducted under the overall supervision of Commander
BN Fleet.