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.
Combined forces storm the beaches in Sattahip in amphibious vehicles during the 2013 CARAT military exercises.
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.
