JAKARTA, Indonesia -- The U.S. and Indonesian navies successfully utilized the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS) during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2018 to communicate and share information through secure channels, Aug. 10-17.

A global multinational information sharing initiative, CENTRIXS enabled Sailors and Marines from both navies to communicate in real-time during complex exercises including division tactics (DIVTACS) as ships maneuvered in close proximity, and amphibious landings as landing craft and amphibious vehicles were launched from USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

“CENTRIXS has been used for nearly ten years in CARAT Indonesia, and continues to be our main form of communication, especially during the sea phase,” said Lt. Cmdr. Astra Kamayi, CENTRIXS working group lead for the Indonesian Navy. “We have continued to gain more knowledge about CENTRIXS, and CARAT 2017 was the first time sailors from the Indonesian Navy operated the CENTRIXS machines themselves.”

As part of the initiative to enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA) towards regular synchronization and combination of information between partner nations, CARAT Indonesia 2018 incorporated seminars about CENTRIXS and SeaVision, a platform that enables partner and allied forces to track vessels by automatically collecting information onto a Google Maps powered display.

“CENTRIXS is a critical part of establishing secure networks, allowing everyone to confidently share sensitive information. As part of a much larger team working to better deploy and use this valuable tool, I am grateful that we were took another step towards better integration of day-to-day operations with our partner nation,” said Cmdr. Kevin Wagner, assistant chief of staff for communications and information systems for Task Force 73.

CARAT Indonesia builds upon other engagements with Indonesia including Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission and Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), which involves nearly a dozen partner nations. These engagements serve to enhance information sharing and coordination and support long-term regional cooperation.

“No nation can achieve maritime domain awareness alone. We need to trust each other in collaboration so that we are all looking at the same maritime picture,” said Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander of Task Force 73. “Maritime security, stability and prosperity is a common goal for all participants, and the tools - CENTRIXS, SeaVision - are there for us to ensure this. It is up to all of us to remain committed to each other by exchanging information towards shared maritime security responsibilities.”