The exercise will contribute to our ability to counter threats at sea : US Navy on ‘PASSEX’ with Indian Navy
Bhubaneswar: While, the US Navy’s passing exercise (Passex) with Indian Navy has continued for the 2nd day today, the US Navy said that both the navies conducted high-end exercises designed to maximize training and interoperability, including air defence. These kinds of Naval engagements contribute to both side’s ability to counter threats at sea.
“Naval engagements such as these exercises improve the cooperation of U.S. and Indian maritime forces and contribute to both sides’ ability to counter threats at sea, from piracy to violent extremism. These engagements also present opportunities to build upon the pre-existing strong relationship between the United States and India and allow both countries to learn from each other”.
“It was a privilege to operate with the Indian Navy,” said Rear Adm. Jim Kirk, commander, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. “RADM Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, leads a powerful and highly skilled Fleet. The opportunity to have the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group join with his Fleet for a series of exercises improved our interoperability and is a testimony to the flexibility of both our Navies.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Indian Ocean in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, consisting of flagship USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), began its cooperative exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean yesterday.
On the other hand, the Indian fleet includes INS Sahyadri, INS Shivalik, INS Kamorta and INS Rana. These ships are part of Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
The exercise is believed to be a signal to China in the context of the latter’s aggression in the South China Sea and the Himalayas.