US and Sri Lanka navies launch sixth CARAT Sri Lanka exercise

Sailors and maritime forces from the United States and Sri Lanka gathered in Trincomalee on July 27 for the opening of the sixth iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka, a longstanding exercise series now in its 32nd year that promotes regional security cooperation, strengthens maritime partnerships, and enhances interoperability among participating forces.

First held in Sri Lanka in 2017, the most recent iteration took place in 2024 between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Sri Lanka Navy. This year’s event continues to expand joint interoperability with the Sri Lanka Navy, reinforcing a shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. contingent features a U.S. 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 participate at sea to refine visit, board, search and seizure skills using a rigid-hull inflatable boat recently transferred by the United States 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, alongside classroom subject matter expert exchanges and practical training focused on maritime domain awareness, tactical medicine, and explosive ordnance disposal. At sea, participants will apply lessons from these sessions to improve interoperability in maritime domain awareness and bolster visit, board, search and seizure 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 is part of a broader exercise series aimed at improving the ability of U.S. and partner navies to operate together in response to shared maritime challenges.

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed destroyer squadron in Southeast Asia, Destroyer Squadron 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of assigned ships in the region. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.