The 13th RP-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) commences in Zamboanga and Basilan yesterday. The exercises is also a testing ground to determine if the integration of the Marine force with the Navy fleet to form one powerful force is very viable and effective.

About 2,000 Filipino and US troops participate in the exercises until June 9. The training also includes civil-military operations like medical missions and engineering projects like the construction of school buildings. They will also practice search and seizure operations at sea.

Joining the exercise are the US Navy's USS Harper, USS Ford and USS Jarrett while the Philippine Navy will provide patrol ships, maritime patrol aircrafts and a helicopter.

Due to the active presence of pirates, maritime terrorists and the Abu Sayyaf, the participants of the joint military exercises are moving the exercise to a higher level by conducting it outside traditional grounds like Luzon. US Navy Rear Admiral William Burke said that by doing the kind of training that they are conducting, more people will understand the threat and how to deal with it properly.

Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training aims to enhance interoperability and exchange knowledge and skills needed for combating the threat of terrorism and transnational crimes at sea.