US troops due for 'CARAT'

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – Some 4,000 American troops are arriving at the Subic Bay Freeport starting today to take part in the 2010 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise will be held on Oct. 14 to 22 here and in other areas in Luzon.

Subic authorities said six US Navy battle ships and three aircraft are joining the military and civic activities that will also involve about 1,000 Philippine Navy men and Marines.

Under the 2010 CARAT exer­cise are “in port” training, including subject matter expert exchanges and civic activities like medical, dental and other humanitarian services, and “at sea” training such as search and seizure procedures, maritime interdiction operations and surveillance, and naval gunfire support.