US and Sri Lanka navies begin sixth CARAT Sri Lanka exercise

TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka — U.S. and Sri Lankan sailors and maritime forces opened the sixth iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka on July 27 in Trincomalee, advancing a 32-year multinational exercise series focused on regional security cooperation, strengthened maritime partnerships, and interoperability.

First held in Sri Lanka in 2017, the most recent iteration occurred in 2024 with participation from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Sri Lanka Navy. This year’s events build on joint interoperability with the Sri Lanka Navy and underscore a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

The U.S. contingent features a Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72, along with personnel from Destroyer Squadron 7, CTF-73, CTF-76, and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific. A U.S. Coast Guard maritime engagement team will join at sea to refine visit, board, search and seizure skills using a rigid-hull inflatable boat recently transferred to the Sri Lanka Navy.

“On behalf of the U.S. Navy, I want to thank our Sri Lanka Navy partners for hosting CARAT Sri Lanka 2026,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Messenger, deputy commander, CTF 76. “This exercise is a highlight of our long-standing relationship. Through collaborative, shore- and sea-based training and expert exchanges, we share valuable skills and enhance our interoperability to support our shared commitment to maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Ashore activities include a bilateral sports day, a community service project, and cultural exchanges between service members. Classroom subject matter expert exchanges and practical sessions will focus on maritime domain awareness, tactical medicine, and explosive ordnance disposal.

At sea, teams will apply lessons from these exchanges to improve interoperability in maritime domain awareness and strengthen VBSS capabilities.

“Since its inception, CARAT has become a cornerstone of maritime cooperation between the Sri Lanka Navy and the United States Navy…” said Sri Lanka Navy Rear Adm. Buddhika Liyanagamage, Eastern Naval Area Commander. “This exercise once again brings together all of us to enhance interoperability, exchange professionalism and strength our collective readiness to address evolving maritime challenges.”

CARAT Sri Lanka forms part of a wider exercise series aimed at improving how U.S. and partner navies operate together to meet shared maritime challenges. As the Navy’s forward-deployed destroyer squadron in Southeast Asia, DESRON-7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander for assigned ships in the region. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly operates with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.