Indo-US amphibious exercise begins in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The maiden tri-services India–US Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious exercise 'Tiger Triumph' started off on a grand note on Thursday onboard INS Jalashwa.

With an aim to represent growing strategic partnership between the two countries, the exercise will also focus on sharing best practices and standard operating procedures in undertaking multinational HADR operations. The exercise aims to strengthen relations between Indo-US military relations.

The harbour phase of the exercise is scheduled till November 16 in Visakhapatnam and includes subject matter expert exchange on amphibious and HADR operations, as well as discussions on case studies and lessons learnt and deliberations on planning and execution procedures of various tasks such as logistics, cargo handling and contingency response mechanisms.

Friendly sports events have also been scheduled to enhance interaction between the participating armed forces personnel of both nations. The Sea Phase, from November 17 to 21, will witness both the forces jointly transiting from Vishakhapatnam to the simulated HADR location at Kakinada, where troops will transfer ashore and set up a joint command and control centre and a joint relief and medical camp.

The participating assets from the Indian Navy include INS Jalashwa, a Landing Platform Dock, INS Airavat, Landing Ship Tank including their integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, and Hydrographic Survey Ship INS Sandhayak, operating as a hospital ship.

The Indian Army will be deploying one battalion group comprising of troops from the 19 Madras and BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles from the 7 Guards unit. The Indian Air Force will deploy one C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, Mi-17 transport helicopters and a Rapid Action Medical Team.

The US task force will include the U.S. Navy ship Germantown, a Landing Ship Dock with integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and Amphibious Assault Vehicles and specially trained troops from the U.S. III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The joint force will be comprised of a Marine Mechanised Rifle Company, a Marine Logistics element and Medical Regulatory Team. Over 500 US Marines and more than 1,000 Indian soldiers are taking part in the event.

Rear Admiral Suraj Berry, Cdr Christopher Causee (Co German town) and Captain Vidyadhar Harke (CO Jalashwa), among others were present.