Combined forces storm the
beaches in Sattahip in amphibious vehicles during the 2013 CARAT
military exercises.
Patcharapol Panrak
U.S. naval forces joined seven Thai ships, anti-submarine aircraft and
more than 2,000 troops for an all-out amphibious “assault” of Yao Beach
as part of the 2013 CARAT military exercise.
Rear Adm. Paithoon Prasopsin, commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s Frigate
Squadron 2, and Rear Adm. William C. McQuilkin, commander of U.S. Naval
Forces Korea, joined amphibious-exercise commander Rear Adm. Phaithun
Prasopsin on the Sattahip beachhead for the centerpiece of the Combat
Afloat Readiness and Training war games.
Four ships from the South Korean command and 1,300
U.S. sailors, including both Thai and US Naval Special warfare units
(SEALs), war forces, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units and mobile
medical units, participated in the June 3-12 CARAT exercise.
In the Yao Beach exercise, Thai forces deployed seven ships - the HTMS
Aowthong, Seekhang, Jaophraya, Bangrajan, Sukhothai, Rattanakosin, and
Thadindaeng - plus a P-3 anti-submarine plane, anti-sub helicopters,
patrol boats and amphibious-assault vehicles.
The exercise was split into three parts: field training, sea training
and summarization and evaluation of the exercise. Rear Adm. Phaithun
Prasopsin, commander of the 2nd Frigate Squadrons, said the assault
training was an important exercise that would help develop the forces to
train efficiently and to implement in real situations.
Apart from war games, U.S. forces also organized projects to help the
public, including construction, school visits and medical services.
