US Navy Destroyer USS Stethem Conducts Cooperative Deployment With Indian Navy In Goa

The USS Stethem (DDG 63), the US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, carried out Cooperative Deployment with India’s Navy after the vessel’s port visit to Goa, per officials.

The destroyer was working with the Indian Navy frigate titled INS Tarkash (F-50). Per a media statement, yesterday’s activities focused on boosting interoperability and strengthening relationships via communication and maneuvering exercises.

Mike Hankey, the US Consul General based in Mumbai, mentioned that the port visit reinforces President Biden’s and PM Modi’s strong commitment to building an Indo-Pacific zone on shared principles and values as more emphasis is given on strengthening the relationship between the two countries. He added that the US values and recognizes India’s role and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region.

Working with India, the rules-based order will be advanced and maintain peace and stability in the zone, he added.

Stethem Sailors thoroughly enjoyed the chance to work closely with partners in the region; collaborating with the Indian Navy permitted gaining greater appreciation to create stability off the coast following a successful port visit, stated Cmdr James “Nate” Watts, per the commanding officer of Stethem.

He mentioned that the operations on the West Coast of India, sailing together, reflect the commitment to an open and free Indo-Pacific. The statement said that the US-India bilateral operations included a passing exercise, division tactics, and formation sailing, allowing both navies to collaborate to further the common maritime aims.

Port calls are an essential part of the US Navy’s usual operations. Not merely do they highlight the mutual interest between the US and partner nations, but they also permit sailors a chance to decompress from the high demand of life at sea, contributing to the all-around mission readiness of the vessel, it stated.

Stethem has been operating as an extension of the Commander, Task Force 71, the US 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, the statement mentioned.

The release stated that CTF 71 has been responsible for the readiness, administrative, and tactical responsibilities for forward-deployed guided-missile destroyers that belong to the Arleigh Burke class and surface units conducting independent operations in that region. The US 7th Fleet is the US Navy’s greatest forward-deployed numbered fleet. It routinely operates and interacts with its allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region, it mentioned.

Reference: NDTV, Economic Times, Navy.mil

US Navy Destroyer USS Stethem Conducts Cooperative Deployment With Indian Navy In Goa appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News