Naval forces from India and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2013, Nov. 5 – 11.
Malabar is a regularly scheduled bilateral naval field training exercise and has grown in scope and complexity over the years. Malabar 2013 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues.
The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. While ashore in Chennai, India, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations and anti-submarine warfare operations.
The at-sea portions will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal. They are designed to advance coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.
Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure; Surface Action Group operations; helicopter evolutions; underway replenishments.
The Indian navy and U.S. 7th Fleet have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. This exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between our Sailors and we hope to be able to continue this process over time. Participants from the U.S. Navy include guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85), Destroyer Squadron 15 and embarked “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 51.
The United States and India share common values and seafaring traditions. The two navies are natural partners, and look forward to continuing to strengthen bonds and personal relationships.
For a list of participating Indian forces, please contact the Indian navy headquarters.
[mappress] Press Release, November 06, 2013; Image: US Navy