The United States Navy warship USS Warrior arrived at Chattogram port on Sunday to take part in a five-day joint naval exercise with Bangladesh aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation and operational capabilities.
The 68-metre vessel, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Mary Senoiet, berthed at the port jetty at 3:10 pm ahead of the “Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)-2026” exercise, scheduled to begin on Monday.
Bangladesh Navy Chattogram Naval Region Chief Staff Officer Captain Mir Md Mahbubul Hasan welcomed the ship’s commanding officer and visiting delegation.
The US defence attaché to Bangladesh and senior officers from both navies attended the reception, where a Bangladesh Navy band welcomed the visitors in accordance with military tradition.
The exercise will formally open at the auditorium of the School of Maritime Warfare and Tactics (SMWT) in Chattogram.
Captain Stephens, the head of the US delegation, the ship’s commanding officer, the US defence attaché and other representatives are expected to attend the opening ceremony.
During the visit, a delegation comprising Lieutenant Commander Senoiet, Captain Stephens and the defence attaché will pay a courtesy call on Bangladesh Navy Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Mostaque Ahmed.
Discussions will focus on professional relations, training, capacity building and matters of mutual interest to the two navies.
According to the Bangladesh Navy, USS Warrior and a US Navy P-8A aircraft will participate in the exercise alongside Bangladesh Navy ships, bases and units under Commodore SWADS Command, as well as Naval Aviation.
Personnel from both countries will exchange professional knowledge and experience and take part in joint operational training.
The programme will also focus on improving coordination in responding to maritime security challenges and strengthening the operational capabilities of both navies.
Organised under bilateral military cooperation arrangements, CARAT-2026 is intended to deepen professional ties and maritime security cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
USS Warrior is scheduled to leave Bangladesh’s territorial waters on 5 November following its participation in the exercise.
