SINGAPORE, Singapore — Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 joined forces with Commander, Task Group (CTG) 73 from August 17 to 29 in the fourth installation of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series during VP-40’s Seventh Fleet Deployment.

Two qualified combat aircrews (CAC) detached to Singapore to participate in the exercise, along with USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), one U.S. Navy Maritime Security Team, one U.S. Marine Corps Fleet Anti-Terrorism Team, and a U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.

CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises conducted annually between U.S. Pacific Fleet and various Southeast Asia partner nations. This is the 17th year the United States military has participated in CARAT Singapore.

CACs 7 and 9 flew in three flights during the exercise. The first and second flights simulated red and blue force opposition and were quite challenging because Singapore is the busiest port in the world. Over one quarter of the world’s cargo ships transit through this port every year. The third flight focused on VP-40 doing what it does best: anti-submarine warfare. Again the high density of shipping traffic proved challenging, but CAC 7 was nonetheless able to complete the exercise.

While the combat aircrews were not airborne, they participated in multiple symposiums along with Singaporean and U.S. surface forces. CAC 9 had the opportunity to visit the Republic of Singapore Air Force 121st Squadron ashore Changi Air Base. The 121st Squadron shared the capabilities of the F-50 Fokker and their recent deployment experience, while VP-40 shared coordinated operations experience.

“It was awesome to see the pride and enthusiasm that the 121st Squadron displayed when we talked about the mission,” said Lt. Christopher Lawson, patrol plane commander. “One could certainly tell they enjoyed supporting their country’s military.”

Members of the 121st had recently returned from their first deployment to Djibouti in support of counter-piracy operations promoting increased stability in Horn of Africa area. Their three-month deployment had them flying the F-50 Fokker, a turboprop aircraft the Singapore Air Force utilizes as their maritime patrol aircraft.

“CARAT Singapore was an excellent opportunity to meet with another great group of professionals,” said Lt. j.g. Jeffrey Graham of CAC 9. “The exercise was well planned and executed, and the exchange of ideas at the symposium was very informative. Working with our Singapore friends was quite a reward.”