Jetwing Travels Plays Vital Role in Supporting U.S. Navy Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Scenario

Recently, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit of the U.S. Navy conducted a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief scenario as part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training/Marine Exercise 2023 in Sri Lanka. The event took place in several locations, including Colombo, Sri Lanka Navy bases in Trincomalee and Mullikullam, and the Laccadive Sea, from January 19 to January 26, 2023.

Jetwing Travels, a leading Sri Lankan Destination Management Company, played a vital role in supporting the logistical arrangements for this operation. The company has a proven track record of providing top-notch services to its clients, including various Government and Military Organizations. In this instance, Jetwing Travels provided support to the U.S. Navy in the form of transportation and other necessary arrangements.

The CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka 2023 exercise involved the participation of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Maldives National Defence Force, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force. This year’s CARAT series marks the 28th iteration of the exercise, which is designed to strengthen the collaborative capabilities of the two Nations to address various maritime security threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the training, the U.S. Navy deployed its 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aboard San Antonio-class ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and personnel from DESRON 7, Amphibious Squadron 7, Seventh Fleet, and Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, 73, 76/3. The exercise was aimed at testing and improving the partners’ ability to coordinate and communicate with one another in a simulated disaster environment.

Other exercises conducted at sea included divisional tactics, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), replenishment-at-sea approaches, and reconnaissance and gunnery exercises. Helicopters aboard Anchorage successfully carried out VBSS exercises, embarkation, and disembarkation of personnel and material on the decks of the SLN ships involved in the sea phase.

Shore phase highlights included a Women, Peace and Security roundtable with members of the Sri Lanka and U.S. militaries hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, public performances between both countries’ navy bands, a sports day, and a series of community service activities. The shore phase training consisted of subject matter expert exchanges on issues like diving and underwater construction, medical support, and maritime domain awareness.

Overall, the CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka 2023 exercise was a resounding success, with all participating countries demonstrating their ability to work together effectively to address maritime security threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Jetwing Travels was proud to play a vital role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario and looks forward to continuing its work with Government and Military organizations in the future.