Red Lancers Conclude CARAT Sri Lanka 2021

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Louis Rojas | MATTHALA, Sri Lanka (Jun. 28, 2021) — Aircrew and maintainers, attached to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron 10, pose for a picture with Sri Lanka military personnel in front of a P-8A Poseidon before a flight in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka. In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt.j.g. Michael Pahissa.)  

MATTHALA, SRI LANKA

07.02.2021

Story by Lt.j.g. Michael Pahissa 

Patrol Squadron (VP) 10

MATTHALA, Sri Lanka (July 1, 2021) - Combat Aircrew (CAC) 3 of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 departed Sri Lanka July 1; wrapping up the five-day joint exercise, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka 2021.

Hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force (SLN and SLAF), the multilateral naval exercise included participants from Japan, Sri Lanka, and the United States, and allowed the partnered forces to train together and continue to build on growing relationships.

The Red Lancer team conducted mission planning and training with the SLN and SLAF; moreover, they were able to discuss the future execution of the P-8A Poseidon mission in the region. Part of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, VP-10’s Sailors executed their missions with extreme precision, navigating complex COVID-19 mitigations and restrictions that were coordinated with Sri Lankan personnel.

“The ability to work hand-in-hand with our hosts during a difficult time showcases the adaptability of our team and the strong ties beween our nations,” said Lt. Blake Benjamin, VP-10 detachment officer-in-charge.

On the 29th of June, CAC-3 finished CARAT operations, culminating with a tracking exercise aimed at increasing both navies’ understanding of tracking and pursuing targets utilizing surface ships and aircraft.

“We revel in the opportunity to conduct CARAT exercises with Sri Lanka and Japan, and ensuring we are all professional partners capable of contributing as net security providers to a free and open region,” said Lt. Beau Bayless, VP-10 patrol plane commander.

Now in its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 07.02.2021
• Date Posted: 07.02.2021 00:09
• Story ID: 400284
• Location: MATTHALA, LK