SATTAHIP, Thailand – On July 7, 2025, the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy officially kicked off the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2025 exercise with a ceremony at Laem Thian Port in Sattahip, Chonburi Province. The event was co-chaired by Admiral Natthapol Diaowanich, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s Fleet, and Rear Admiral Katie F. Sheldon, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.
The bilateral exercise, the largest of its kind between the two navies, involves 1,000 personnel from both nations. Since its inception in 1995, CARAT has been a cornerstone of Thai-U.S. naval cooperation, aimed at strengthening maritime security, enhancing interoperability, and fostering strong ties between the two forces. This year’s exercise, overseen by Rear Admiral Anurak Promngam, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s 2nd Frigate Squadron, focuses on advancing joint operational capabilities and aligning with current global maritime challenges.
The CARAT 2025 exercise is divided into three phases: shore-based training, sea-based operations, and a post-exercise debrief. The Royal Thai Navy has deployed three warships—HTMS Naresuan, HTMS Saiburi, and HTMS Rattanakosin—along with five types of aircraft and unmanned aerial systems. The U.S. Navy contributes the USS Santa Barbara, three types of aircraft, and Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters. The 12-day exercise, running from July 7 to 18, will take place in Sattahip and Rayong provinces, as well as the upper Gulf of Thailand.
The US ship is NOT open to the public for tours.
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