Malaysia’s PASKAL and U.S. Naval Special Warfare Engage in Joint CARAT 2024 Exercises

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Naval Special Forces, PASKAL and the United States Navy’s Naval Special Warfare (NSW)  recently participated in joint exercises as part of the sea phase of Exercise CARAT 2024 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) conducted in Malaysian waters.

The CARAT 2024 exercise between the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the U.S. Navy is taking place around Lumut, Subang, and the northern Straits of Malacca.

It began on October 29 and is set to conclude this Tuesday.

According to the RMN’s social media release, PASKAL and the U.S. Navy’s NSW teams conducted Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) exercises on the Littoral Mission Ship (LMS), KD Rencong.

The release included photos of the joint training between PASKAL and the U.S. Navy’s NSW forces.

The U.S. Navy’s NSW is a special operations component under United States Special Operations Command, managing various elite military units.

NSW includes eight SEAL teams, three Special Boat Teams, and other support units, with a reported strength exceeding 9,000 personnel.

The NSW units have undertaken numerous operations worldwide.

Malaysian Armed Forces’ Joint Force chief Lt. Gen. Dato’ Zahani Zainal Abidin of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) also visited to directly oversee the sea phase of Exercise CARAT 2024.

“His presence not only served as an inspiration but also boosted morale and dedication among all involved. He boarded the U.S. Navy vessel USS DEWEY from an RMAF EC 725 helicopter and had the opportunity to observe a live VBSS exercise performed by PASKAL and the U.S. Navy’s NSW team on the RMN’s KD RENCONG,” said the RMN’s social media statement.

The statement further highlighted that Lt. Gen. Zahani’s visit underscored his commitment to ensuring strict adherence to procedures and tactics for the safety and success of each training session.

Also present during the visit were the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations J3, Joint Forces Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Dato’ Tong Veng Long of the RMAF; Commander of Task Force 76, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Christopher D. Stone; and Assistant Chief of Staff for Training J7, Joint Forces Headquarters, Rear Admiral Dr. Shaftdean Lufty Rusland.

Exercise CARAT 2024 involves 441 participants from the Malaysian Armed Forces and 380 from the U.S. Navy.

The exercise showcases ATM assets including the KD TERENGGANU, KD RENCONG, two F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets, a Fennec helicopter, an EC 725 helicopter, and Fast Combat Boats (FCBs), while the U.S. Navy is deploying assets such as the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS DEWEY, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and an MH-60S helicopter.

During the opening ceremony of Exercise CARAT 2024, Capt. John Baggett, Deputy Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7 and head of the U.S. delegation, remarked, “This year marks the 30th anniversary of Exercise CARAT, underscoring the strength and resilience of the partnership between the United States and Malaysia.”

“Over the past three decades, we have built a solid foundation based on trust and cooperation, benefiting both nations. Exercises like these highlight the strong cooperation between our armed forces and emphasize mutual respect,” he said, as reported by the U.S. Navy portal.

Exercise CARAT 2024 builds on 67 years of close cooperation between Malaysia and the United States.

According to the U.S. Navy’s official portal, Exercise CARAT 2024 reinforces the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to peace, stability, and security in the region.

Additionally, the military exercises symbolize the U.S.’s commitment to ASEAN partners to further strengthen ASEAN Centrality and support a free and open Indo-Pacific. – DSA