Thai-US Navy Medical Team strengthens bodies, friendships

The medical civic action program (MEDCAP) at Kiriparawanawan School was one of two planned in Thailand for the 15th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series.

The patients, mostly children from Kiriparawanawan School and the surrounding area came for checkups, eye exams, vaccinations, urgent dental work, minor illnesses, medicines and preventive treatments.

Whether in the dentist’s chair or on the practitioner’s table, the goal was creating great smiles.

“My first patient today had excessive tooth decay,” said Lt. Brandt Cullen, dental officer for the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), describing one man’s painful molars. “We gave him anesthetic and extracted both teeth for him.”

MEDCAP events provide patients direct access to top-level medical and dental care. In many cases, medical treatment is affordable but usually not accessible, as medical facilities may be many kilometers away.

Kiriparawanawan School teacher Nuanla-or Imjolroen feels the visit proved helpful to children and adults alike and helped build a positive image of cooperation between Thailand and the US.

“Seeing the US Navy like this is very good and the children see that very clear,” said Nuanla-or, who received a checkup herself. “It makes everyone here smile.”

Since 1995, CARAT has provided the US and six Southeast Asian nations Thailand, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia the opportunity to exchange knowledge and enhance maritime security through shared training, equipment and manpower.