India-US joint tri-services exercise 'Tiger Triumph' to begin soon

Amidst the growing partnership, the maiden India-US joint tri-services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise named 'Tiger Triumph' is scheduled to begin on the Eastern seaboard at Visakhapatnam from November 13. It is expected to go on till November 21. 

According to an official release, several sea vehicles including Indian Naval ships Jalashwa, Airavat and Sandhayak, Indian Army troops from 19 Madras and 7 Guards, and Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters and Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) are said to be participating in the exercise. Meanwhile, on the other side, the US would be represented by US Navy Ship Germantown with troops from the US Third Marine Division.

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Exercise aimed to develop interoperability

The Exercise that is aimed to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations is expected to open with a ceremony along with a Joint Flag Parade that will be held onboard INS Jalashwa on November 14. Personnel from both navies would also participate in training visits, subject matter expert exchanges, sports events, and social interactions.

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On completion of the Harbour Phase, the ships, with troops embarked, are expected to sail for the sea phase and undertake maritime, amphibious and HADR operations. On reaching the HADR area at Kakinada, the landing of Relief Forces would be undertaken to the Exercise scenario.

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Additionally, at the HADR Exercise Area, a Joint Command and Control Centre would be established jointly by the Indian Army and US Marines. The IAFRAMT and the US Navy Medical Team would establish a Medical Facility Camp for providing medical aid to victims, who would have been previously evacuated by road and air to the Camp.

The Exercise that will run till November 21 will culminate with a closing ceremony onboard US Naval Ship Germantown.

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(With ANI Inputs)