DVIDS – News – The 13th MEU participates in Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Indonesia 2022

SITUBONDO, Indonesia – The thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit, aboard the Makin Island Amphibious Prepared Group, accomplished Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Coaching (CARAT)/Marine Train (MAREX) Indonesia 2022 in Situbondo and Surabaya, Indonesia, Dec. 21. The 15 days of in-person and at-sea engagements enhanced interoperability and partnership between the Indonesian and U.S. militaries.

CARAT/MAREX Indonesia occurred in Surabaya, Situbondo and within the Java Sea, Dec. 7-21, specializing in shared maritime safety challenges within the area and rising proficiency in joint amphibious operations.

All through the primary week of the CARAT/MAREX train, the ARG/MEU staff labored with Indonesian navy and marine service members in material knowledgeable (SME) exchanges and sensible software of matters together with restoring a faculty with our Indonesian counterparts, jungle coaching, reconnaissance dive workouts, small boat maritime patrolling coaching, and battlefield wound care.

“The train offered us the chance to work alongside our Indonesian KORMAR companions,” mentioned 1stLt. Scott Rogers, an engineer officer with Fight Logistics Battalion 13, thirteenth MEU. “This iteration started with sharing information and methods in areas together with building and electrical practices. Following the information change, we have been capable of work hand-in-hand with one another to revive a faculty in Situbondo, reinforcing the training whereas serving to the local people.”

Additional strengthening ties, U.S. Navy Capt. Justin A. Kubu, commander of PHIBRON 7, and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Samuel L. Meyer, commanding officer of the thirteenth MEU, have been capable of meet with Brig. Gen. Suherlan, Commanding Basic of 2nd Marine Division, Indonesian Marine Corps, and his workers. The assembly between management allowed each companions to debate matters corresponding to naval integration and the capabilities of the MKI ARG/MEU, in addition to study Indonesian tradition and shared values.

“Throughout CARAT Indonesia 2022, we have now realized a lot about our TNI-AL and KORMAR companions,” mentioned Meyer. “They’ve welcomed us to their house with open arms, and because of their hospitality, we have now strengthened our relationship and interoperability, each ashore and at sea. Over 28 years, we’ve developed our partnership, and this yr’s train reassures our united dedication to free and open maritime environments inside the area.”

Within the second week of CARAT/MAREX, a bilateral coordination middle was established, which enabled at-sea operations. The ocean section included joint coaching at sea, ship to shore motion, and culminated with a joint amphibious assault.

“The train offered a chance for my platoon to plan and execute a mixed infantry and armor assault with a accomplice power,” mentioned 1stLt. Austin Smith, third platoon commander, Fox Firm, Battalion Touchdown Workforce 2/4. “Integrating with our accomplice KORMAR forces mutually elevated our capabilities by affording the chance to steer one another’s marines within the train. Collectively, we developed the scheme of maneuver over a terrain mannequin earlier than executing an built-in mechanized infantry assault utilizing KORMAR armor and our blended platoons.”

The joint coaching executed throughout CARAT/MAREX improved mutual capabilities and strengthened the connection between the U.S. and Indonesian navies and marine corps. Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) Capt. Sumarji Bimoaji, commander of Escort Squadron 2nd Fleet Command, served because the train commander of the amphibious process power and touchdown power (CATF/CLF) whereas the MKI ARG/MEU supported operations as deputy CATF/CLF.

“With the spirit of friendship, I hope CARAT 2022 will profit the USA Navy and Marine Corps in addition to Indonesian navy personnel,” mentioned Bimoaji. “Furthermore, I hope this train shall be a milestone in strengthening relationship for our nations. Subsequently, aspect by aspect, we will preserve peace and construct a greater world.”

CARAT/MAREX Indonesia is a bilateral train between Indonesia and the USA designed to advertise regional safety cooperation, preserve and strengthen maritime partnerships, and improve maritime interoperability. In its twenty eighth yr, the CARAT sequence is comprised of multinational workouts, designed to boost U.S. and accomplice navies’ skills to function collectively in response to conventional and non-traditional maritime safety challenges within the Indo-Pacific area.

The thirteenth MEU is embarked with the Makin Island Amphibious Prepared Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock ships USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and working within the U.S. seventh Fleet space of operations to boost interoperability with Allies and companions and function a ready-response power to defend peace and preserve stability within the Indo-Pacific area.