Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011 (CARAT-2011)

The guided-missile destroyer USS Howard leads a formation of U.S. and Royal Thai Navy ships, flanked by the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James and HTMS Phuttalertlanapalai and followed by HTMS Taksin, HTMS Khirirat, and HTMS Sukhotai as they transit the Gulf of Thailand during Cooperation Afloat and Readiness Training Thailand 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lily Daniels

The Royal Thai Navy medium landing ship HTMS Surin, foreground, and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga, maintain patrol after releasing waves of U.S. and Thai Marine amphibious assault vehicles to the beach during an amphibious landing evolution as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Lopez

A Royal Thai Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle drives onto the beach during an amphibious assault exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011. The navy medium landing ship HTMS Surin and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga participated in the beach assault. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Lopez

U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicles launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga, not pictured, prepare to assault a beach during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2011. More than 130 U.S. Marines spent 48 hours training with members of the Royal Thai Marine Corps. (Photo by: Lt. K. Madison Carter)

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd and USS Pinckney are underway in the Pacific Ocean. Kidd and Pinkney are part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and are participating in a composite training unit exercise off the coast of Southern California. (Photo by: Seaman Apprentice Carla Ocampo)

Amphibious assault vehicles exit the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga during an amphibious assault exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Katerine Noll)