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Makin Island and John P. Murtha Arrive in Singapore for CARAT/MAREX Exercise

11 January 2023

From USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Singapore to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) with the Republic of Singapore Navy, Jan. 8.
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SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Commanders and leaders from Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Destroyer Squadron 7, Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), and the Republic of Singapore Navy stand at attention during both countries’ national anthems at the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Commanders and leaders from Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Destroyer Squadron 7, Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), and the Republic of Singapore Navy stand at attention during both countries’ national anthems at the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Commanders and leaders from Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Destroyer Squadron 7, Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), and the Republic of Singapore Navy stand at attention during both countries’ national anthems at the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
230109-N-VS068-1128
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Commanders and leaders from Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Destroyer Squadron 7, Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), and the Republic of Singapore Navy stand at attention during both countries’ national anthems at the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht
VIRIN: 230109-N-VS068-1128


CARAT/MAREX Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United Sates designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability.

In its 28th year, the CARAT/MAREX series is comprised of multinational exercises designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We value our longstanding relationship with Singapore founded on our shared belief that presence is vital for prosperity,” said Capt. Tony Chavez, commanding officer of Makin Island. “This is the second iteration of the CARAT series the crew has had the opportunity to participate in. Each time we are able to operate with our partners it allows us to sharpen our skills and contribute to regional peace and security."
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Capt. Tim LaBenz, Destroyer Squadron 7 commodore, and Republic of Singapore Navy Senior Lt. Col. Daniel Koh, Deputy Commander of 3rd Flotilla, exchange words during the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Rear Adm. Mark Melson, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, and Rear Adm. Sean Wat, Fleet Commander, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), shake hands prior to the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island, Murtha and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Rear Adm. Mark Melson, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, meets with Rear Adm. Sean Wat, Fleet Commander, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), prior to the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island, Murtha and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Rear Adm. Mark Melson, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, and Capt. Justin Kubu, commodore of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, shake hands during the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)
SINGAPORE (Jan. 9, 2023) Capt. Justin Kubu, commodore of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, center right, and Capt. Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), speak to commanders of the Republic of Singapore Navy prior to the opening ceremony of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Singapore 2022, Jan. 9, 2023. CARAT Singapore is a bilateral exercise between Singapore and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime cooperation. In its 28th, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht)


Sailors and Marines aboard John P. Murtha and Makin Island will also have the opportunity to experience Singaporean culture with visits to local areas, community relations events, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sightseeing tours.

“This is my first time in Singapore, and I have heard nothing but great things,” said Lt. j.g. Julia Reid, training officer of John P. Murtha. “I am most looking forward to seeing some of the beautiful landmarks in the area as well as experiencing the foods!”

John P. Murtha and Makin Island are on a deployment with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

The Makin Island ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serves as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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