US, Indian Navies to Conduct INDIAEX 2012

The U.S. and Indian navies will conduct exercise INDIAEX 2012, a bilateral exercise designed to demonstrate cooperation between the U.S. submarine rescue system and Indian submarines.

The exercise is scheduled from Oct. 19 to Nov. 13, and will take place off the coast of Mumbai, India.

Four Indian navy submarines are scheduled to participate with the U.S. Navy’s Undersea Rescue Command (URC) to practice rescue scenarios which demonstrate URC’s Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS). The SRDRS will mate with Indian submarines for a transfer of personnel from the simulated distressed submarine to the rescue vessel. The at-sea portion of the exercise is scheduled from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6.

This will be the first time exercising the compatibility of a U.S. Navy SRDRS with Indian navy submarines.

“INDIAEX 2012 is critical to building a strong and sustainable partnership between the United States and India,” said Cmdr. Dave Lemly, commanding officer of URC. “Conducting exercises like INDIAEX will allow India and the U.S. to continue to benefit from the military-to-military and security cooperation program.”

URC is the only U.S. military command that conducts deep ocean submarine rescue. URC is a hybrid organization consisting of approximately 120 personnel from active duty, Reserve, government civilians and contractors.

The U.S. and Indian navies have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. This exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between sailors. The U.S. Navy hopes to be able to continue this process over time.

The United States and India share common values and seafaring traditions. Our navies are natural partners, and exercises such as INDIAEX continue to strengthen the bonds and personal relationships between navies.

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Naval Today Staff, October 19, 2012; Image: US Navy