RP-US Carat 2006 ends

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The week-long activities for the RP-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat) Exercise 2006 ended here yesterday morning.

Aside from military exercises, humanitarian missions were also conducted by the joint forces in depressed villages in La Union.

Navy Captain Orwen Cortez, Carat Task Force Commander, told The STAR that this year’s exercises was very successful because it improved the combat readiness of the Philippine Navy.

"It was a very successful event for us and the US Navy contingent because we’re able to attain our objectives in improving our command and control tactics, logistics procedure, and our maritime security capabilities," Cortez said.

He added that participants from both sides have learned a lot about operations and the experience strengthened the ties between the Filipinos and the Americans.

"We have learned so much from them (US soldiers) and they also learned from us, particularly our environment, culture, and how we do things here in the Philippines. We have a very good relationship. This is a manifestation of the commitment of support of the US government to the Philippines," Cortez said.

Capt. Vicente Agdamag, commander of the Naval Forces North, who was the guest speaker during the culmination program held at the Navy yard here, said the RP-US Carat 2006 has truly developed the Navy’s capabilities in maritime security and has helped indigents in La Union.

"I acknowledge the various activities you have undergone to develop our Navy’s maritime security capabilities, which is very crucial to naval operations," Agdamag told the soldiers during the program.

Ensign Michael Buraga, director of Carat’s public affairs, told The STAR that there are more than 1,000 indigents given medical assistance in Dulao, Aringay, La Union and in Barangay San Agustin this city.

Two classrooms worth P1.2 million were built in Mabanengbeng Elementary School in Bacnotan town and around 1,400 dogs were vaccinated and dewormed along the coastal barangays of San Fernando.

Captain Al Collins, commander of the US Navy Destroyer Squadron, headed the US contingent who attended the closing program here. He commended their Filipino counterparts and thanked the people’s hospitality.