From Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs
<< In this file photo from a previous Malabar exercise, U.S. Navy and Indian Navy ships operate together in the Indian Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Farrington)
CHENNAI, India - 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; and 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 the 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. Our navies are natural partners, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds and personal relationships between our navies.