CARAT-2026 bilateral naval exercise commences in Trincomalee

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral exercise between the United States Navy Pacific Fleet and the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance maritime cooperation and security commenced in Sampur, Trincomalee yesterday.

The exercise was inaugurated under the leadership of Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander of the Eastern Naval Area.

The Navy stated that a series of theoretical and practical exercises are scheduled to be conducted during this bilateral exercise, which runs from July 27 to 31.

Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Navy Marine Corps, Naval Infantry, Sri Lanka Air Force, and United States Marine Corps will conduct exercises across a wide range of fields, including snake handling demonstrations, cyber security, dive and salvage operations, explosive ordnance disposal, medical subject matter expert exchanges, live fire exercises, search and rescue operations, and vessel boarding, search, and seizure categories.

This opening event was attended by military officials from both countries, including Air Vice Marshal Amal Perera, Commandant of the China Bay Air Force Academy; Commodore Dhanesh Pathberiya, Acting Flag Officer Naval Launching Command; Commodore Sanjeewa Kodikara, Director Marine; and Captain Michael J. Messenger, Deputy Commander of the United States Navy Seventh Fleet.