SEACAT 2024 Wraps Up, Strengthening Maritime Security Across Southeast Asia Allies and Partners

SEACAT, a prominent multilateral exercise, aims to bolster cooperation among Southeast Asian nations, focusing on tackling crises, contingencies, and illegal activities within the maritime domain using standardized methods.

“SEACAT is a significant opportunity for the United States and Southeast Asian partner nations to unite under a common goal. It offers a platform for mutual learning and training to enhance our collective Maritime Security,” stated Lt. Cmdr. Geoffrey Rienstra, Logistics and Planning officer at Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/CTF 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC).

With participation from over twenty allied and partner maritime forces, the exercise included nations like Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, and Japan among others. A Maritime Security (MARSEC) seminar ashore featured presentations, live Q&A sessions, and panel discussions involving representatives from various countries, international organizations, and academia.

The shore phase also hosted a Sensing workshop, blending maritime security agencies and navies from across the region. This workshop emphasized best practices in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to improve collaborative ISR efforts.

“Collaborating with our Allies and partners on maritime domain awareness was a thrilling experience,” expressed Lt. Alex Falten from COMLOG WESTPAC. “I am eager to witness future advancements in SEACAT.”

During the sea phase, participating nations conducted Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) exercises aboard a contracted vessel, used as a live training environment. U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team (USCG MSRT) members aided participants in honing their interdiction skills.

Additionally, a second vessel simulated a “dark” ship transiting Southeast Asia, which the participants were tasked to locate, track, and report. Concurrently, an information-sharing exercise took place at the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Center (IFC), serving as a central hub for tracking these simulated suspicious vessels.

Looking forward to SEACAT 2025, Capt. Axel Steiner, Chief of Staff at COMLOG WESTPAC, emphasized the importance of addressing current maritime security issues to find collaborative solutions. “Security at sea paves the way for global prosperity. Knowing the maritime situation is fundamental for achieving this security, a principle driving SEACAT forward.”

U.S. Navy participants comprised personnel from COMLOG WESTPAC, U.S. 7th Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Fleet staffs. COMLOG WESTPAC aids deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate South China Sea patrols, naval exercises, and responses to natural disasters.