Posted: 07/01/2009
GULF OF THAILAND (July 13, 2009) The guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) leads a formation of Royal Thai Navy ships including HTMS Naresuan (FFG 421), HTMS Khirrirat (FS 432), HTMS Makutrajakuman (FF 433) and HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH 911) during the at-sea phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2009. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)