US forces deepen Pacific security ties at CARAT Thailand 2026

SATTAHIP, Thailand — U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps units joined maritime partners from Thailand and Canada on July 6 to open the 32nd Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand in Sattahip, expanding combined readiness and reinforcing a long-standing U.S.-Thai alliance.

This year’s iteration introduces two firsts: shore-based, peer-to-peer subject matter exchanges in Songkhla, and the addition of U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) and USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141). They join a multi-domain U.S. force that includes a Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72 and Marines from the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific.

Royal Thai Navy participants include the Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG 422) and the Chao Phraya-class frigate HTMS Saiburi (FFG 458).

“Operating with Thailand through CARAT and regular exercises keeps the alliance strong,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kyle Gantt, deputy commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “For over seven decades, the U.S. and Thailand alliance has reinforced regional maritime security through an unwavering partnership between the Royal Thai Navy and U.S. Navy. Together we ensure regional stability.”

The at-sea phase in Sattahip and the Gulf of Thailand centers on combat readiness through high-end anti-submarine warfare drills, air defense events, and command-and-control coordination. Units will also conduct combined mine countermeasures and search and rescue training. Enhancing multilateral integration, the Royal Canadian Navy is contributing a specialized visit, board, search, and seizure team that will embed in combined VBSS evolutions with U.S. and Thai forces.

“Every year, we expand our interoperability across commands, platforms and services,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Doug Ivey, chief staff officer of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. “With the participation of fast response cutters from Expeditionary Cutter Squadron joining CARAT 2026 and some of our subject matter experts conducting exchanges in Songkhla, we’re looking forward to pushing the boundaries and seeing what the team is capable of.”

Ashore in Sattahip and Songkhla, the exercise features relationship-building activities, including a multilateral sports day, community service, and public performances and cultural exchanges by U.S. and Thai navy bands. Classroom and hands-on exchanges will focus on maritime domain awareness, tactical combat casualty care, and at-sea explosive ordnance disposal.

CARAT Thailand is a long-running series designed to strengthen the ability of U.S. and partner navies to operate together in addressing 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 littoral combat ships in the U.S. 7th Fleet area. The 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly works with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.