CARAT Brunei 2024 Wraps Up with Impactful Finale

The CARAT Brunei 2024 exercise, an annual collaborative military event, has once again brought together United States and Brunei forces to enhance maritime cooperation. Key U.S. participants included personnel from the 7th Fleet and several task forces, alongside the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

“Building maritime relationships is what the CARAT exercise series is all about,” stated Rear Adm. Katie Sheldon, Vice Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet. This year’s engagement focused on strengthening capabilities in various critical areas, such as cyber security, maritime law, and humanitarian response, reflecting a commitment to peace and stability.

Yang Mulia Colonel Aldi Bin Haji Hassan, Deputy Joint Force Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, lauded the exercise for its role in refining skills and solidifying partnerships. “This platform allows us to merge our forces seamlessly across scenarios, which is invaluable,” he remarked.

Participation in CARAT Brunei signifies the U.S.’s ongoing promise to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific through shared naval exercises. This initiative underscores the importance of regional collaboration, blending strategic operations and enhancing security protocols.

The event, now in its 30th year, continues to evolve, fostering an enduring trust between the U.S. and Brunei. It allows both nations to adapt their tactics in response to maritime security challenges, traditional and emerging alike.

The U.S. Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) and Destroyer Squadron 7 played pivotal roles in this year’s exercises. Their involvement is critical in ensuring ongoing training and partnership reinforcement.

The U.S. 7th Fleet, the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, remains committed to working alongside regional allies, advocating a collaboration-first approach to maintaining stability in Southeast Asia.