DILI (TOP) – The United States and Timor-Leste will hold the Cooperation Afloat and Readiness Training (CARAT) joint military exercise from December 6-15.
This military exercise will further deepen the U.S.-Timorese security partnership and will kick off with the arrival of the USS Charleston Navy ship in Timor-Leste.
During the exercise, 20 Defense Force (F-FDTL) service members and 10 National Police (PNTL) members will participate in a series of trainings aboard the USS Charleston. The trainings will focus on strengthening cooperation and enhancing knowledge on sea navigation, engineering, maritime equipment repair, and emergency medical treatment.
The exercise will also include training on international law of the sea, including efforts to counter human trafficking. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will join the CARAT exercise to support maneuver and urban combat training with members of the F-FDTL in Hera from December 11-15.
“The United States is proud to partner with the F-FDTL to develop Timor-Leste’s capacity for maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley.
“This exercise represents our commitment to strengthening our enduring partnership with Timor-Leste, which is rooted in our shared democratic values of respect for rule of law and human rights.”
The CARAT exercise builds on the growing U.S.-Timorese security partnership, most notably the U.S. commitment of over $10 million to jointly rehabilitate with the Government of Timor-Leste the Baucau airfield. Through the creation of an Air Component, the project will assist the F-FDTL and help the Timorese government better monitor its maritime territory, respond to natural disasters, and promote economic development.
The United States also conducts three annual military exercises with the F-FDTL and hosts numerous Timorese service members in the United States for English language and professional military education. In addition, the U.S. Navy Seabees have constructed or rehabilitated over 100 clinics and schools throughout Timor-Leste to help build a better future for the Timorese people, completing projects valued at more than $50 million over the last 10 years.
