Royal Brunei Armed Forces and U.S. launch CARAT Brunei 2026

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei — Sailors, Coastguardsmen, and maritime forces from Brunei and the United States gathered Sept. 14 for an opening ceremony launching the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2026.

The bilateral exercise is designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to shared maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Col. Muhammad Suwardi Ariffin, chief of staff of Joint Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Michael Ross, commodore of Expeditionary Cutter Squadron, took part in the ceremony, rendering salutes during the playing of the national anthems of both countries.

This year’s engagement brings together sailors, Coastguardsmen, and other maritime forces from both nations to strengthen operational cooperation and reinforce long-standing defense ties.