The 4th Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (CARAT) 2023 (MAREX) Exercise

THE 4TH COOPERATION AFLOAT READINESS AND TRAINING (CARAT) 2023 (MAREX) EXERCISE WAS CONDUCTED AT SLNS BARANA, MULLIKULAM ON 21ST TO 25TH JANUARY 2023.

The Inauguration Ceremony of the 4th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2023 (MAREX) exercise was commence at SLNS Barana, Mullikulam on 21st January 2023. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of The Commanding Officer SLNS Barana Captain (INF) SD Kodikara, RSP, USP as the Chief Guest of the ceremony and Opening remarks conducted by Commanding Officer 1st Marine Battalion, Commander (MARINE) SDSS Dayananda, RWP, RSP, USP

 This ends a one week of true companionship and harsh training conducted between both nations for the purpose of combat readiness of both countries in joint operations. During the training, both nations’ Marines had the opportunity to improve and enhance subject knowledge on the following subjects of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Combat Life Saving, Causality Evacuations by Air, Advanced Jungle Warfare and Survival, Snake Handling, IA Drills, Day & Night Patrolling, Ambush, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations, Military Operation in Urban Terrain (MOUT), Marine Corps Martial Art program and Angampora Cultural program. These exercises were carried out by participants of 2nd Battalion 4th Marines of USMC Joker Company, Alfa company of 1st Marines Battalion, No 1 platoon of Special Boat Squadron, Group of Rapid Action Boat Squadron, Section of Naval Infantry, 2 x Observers from Maldives Marines and Air operation observer from Sri Lanka Air Force.

Marking the successful completion of 4th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2023 (MAREX) exercise on 25th January 2023, a closing ceremony was held in the presence of Area Commander North Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral MHN Peries, RSP*, USP grace the occasion as chief guest and Vote of thank conducted by The Director Marine Commodore (MARINE) PASK Pitigala, RSP 

Conducting this nature of bilateral Marine exercises enables SLNMC and USMC to gain access to a larger and more diverse range of knowledge, which can help to enhance own capabilities, Understanding of the modern technology, weapons, tactics, processes, and standard operating procedures will also help each other to better prepare for potential security challenges in future.