Coast Guard Captain Bob Little, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, is greeted by traditional Indonesian dancers during a welcoming ceremony July 31, 2019, hosted by the Indonesian Navy in the Port of Tanjung Perak. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jasmine Mieszala)
SURABAYA, Indonesia — The Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) arrived in Indonesia Wednesday as part of its planned participation in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2019.
“2019 marks the 70th anniversary of relations between the United States and Indonesia,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area commander. “Our close partnership is built on a foundation of shared democratic values and common interests, including a commitment to strengthening maritime governance and security across the region.”
As the U.S. Navy’s longest running regional exercise in South and Southeast Asia, CARAT strengthens partnerships between regional navies and enhances maritime security cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific. Held in Surabaya, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the CARAT. The U.S. Coast Guard last participated in CARAT in 2012, and this year, the cutter will conduct exercises alongside the U.S. and Indonesian navies.
“The crew and I are very excited to visit Indonesia and to participate in this important exercise,” said Capt. Bob Little, commanding officer of the Stratton. “This is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our partners in the region, and to demonstrate the unique capabilities and skillsets the U.S. Coast Guard has to offer.”
The crew of the Stratton arrives in Indonesia following their participation in Talisman Sabre 19, a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command-sponsored exercise that trains U.S. and Australian forces across high-end, mid-intensity warfighting scenarios involving a combined task force.
Stratton, a 418-foot national security cutter, departed its homeport of Alameda, California, July 5 for a months-long deployment to the Western Pacific. Operating under the tactical control of U.S. 7th Fleet, the cutter and crew are engaging in professional exchanges and capacity-building exercises with partner nations and will patrol and conduct operations as directed.
