Bangladesh, US start joint naval exercise in Ctg
The fourth Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) between Bangladesh and the US navies began yesterday with an opening ceremony at School of Maritime Warfare and Tactics in the Issa Khan Base of Chittagong.
The CARAT Bangladesh 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the exercise series conducted by the US Navy with nine partner nations of South and Southeast Asia.
Rear Admiral Charles Williams, commander of Task Force 73 of the US Navy and US 7th Fleet's executive agent for theater security cooperation in South Asia, who was present as chief guest, said the six-day exercise would help both the navies sharpen their skills and refine their abilities to work side-by-side for regional maritime security.
The US navy ship, Safeguard, with a mobile diving and salvage unit will join Bangladesh Navy ships Somudra Joy, frigate Bangabandhu, Saikat and Durjoy, in the exercise, said an US embassy press release.
The most advanced maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) of the US Navy Poseidon (P-8) will participate in the exercise for the first time with the country's MPA Dornier, it added.
Divers, technicians, and legal and medical professionals from both the navies will also participate.
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