U.S., S'pore launch exercises

U.S., S'pore launch exercises

SINGAPORE: Singapore and the United States launched on Tuesday their most significant military exercises since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, with the participation for the first time of aircraft from the U.S. marines.

About 2,000 troops from the navy, army, marine corps and coast guard of the two allies, as well as 14 ships will take part in the 11-day Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises in the South China Sea and the southern islands.

For the first time in the eight-year history of the exercises, air assets from the U.S. marines such as F-18 combat jets and Sea Stallion helicopters were mobilized to support ground forces, officials said.

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the USCGC Morgenthau, as well as the guided missile cruiser USS Vincennes will also participate for the first time.

The CARAT series, which is also conducted with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, was among those retained military exercise after the Sept.11 attack.--AFP