Singapore, US forces take part in South China Sea exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the United States Navy (USN) are taking part in the 18th Singapore-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in the South China Sea from 17 to 27 Jul 2012. 

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the United States Air Force (USAF), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the United States Marine Corps will also participate in this year's exercise. 

This year's exercise will focus on sharpening conventional maritime capabilities such as anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as maritime air operations. 

1400 personnel from both countries are involved in this year's exercise. 

The RSN and the RSAF are participating with seven ships, a submarine, a naval helicopter and seven aircraft. The USN, USCG and USAF are participating with four ships, a submarine, three naval helicopters and six aircraft. 

The SAF and the USN have conducted the CARAT series of bilateral maritime exercises annually since 1995. 

Exercise CARAT aims to enhance interoperability and professional cooperation between the participating forces of Singapore and the US.