An integrated humanitarian assistance disaster relief scenario by the US & Thai navies was included in a simulated earthquake & tsunami in Rayong Province during the CARAT Thailand 2013 joint exercises.
The Thailand phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise 2013 ended with a closing ceremony at Sattahip Naval Base, June 12, following nearly two weeks of training ashore and at sea.
The closing wrapped up the at-sea phase of the annual bilateral exercise series which was designed to develop relationships, address shared maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability among the naval forces of the U.S. and Thailand. The formal ceremony included dignitaries from the U.S. Navy and Royal Thai Navy and Marines as well as a performance by the Royal Thai Navy band.
Rear Adm. Bill McQuilkin, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea and executive agent for CARAT Thailand, highlighted several of the events that took place, particularly an integrated humanitarian assistance disaster relief scenario involving a simulated earthquake and tsunami in Rayong Province.
"This highly realistic scenario took place over several days, allowed our forces to plan a combined, whole-of-government response, and culminated with relief operations from the sea involving our amphibious forces, construction engineers, Navy divers, civil affairs experts, explosive ordnance disposal units and medical professionals," McQuilkin said.
"The fact that we were able to bring these capabilities together successfully during this training scenario will greatly enhance our ability to respond effectively to real world events."
