US Chief of Naval Operations arrives in Vizag to attend Malabar Exercise

United States Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michael M Gilday, arrived in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, as part of a 3-day visit to the city. On this official visit to Vizag, he is going to take part in the second phase of the Malabar Exercise 2021. 

On his arrival in Visakhapatnam, Admiral Gilday was welcomed by officers of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). Later, he met the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice, Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, where they talked about issues concerning the two navies. Admiral Gilday was also given a guided tour of the Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam. At the Smaram Sthal Memorial in Naval Dockyard, he paid tribute to the heroes of the Indian Navy who laid down their lives to protect the nation. 

On Thursday, Admiral Gilday is supposed to take part in the Malabar exercise near the Vizag coast, onboard the United States Navy (USN) Carrier Strike Group. Indian Navy Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, and other ENC personnel will accompany him in the exercise. 

The Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is currently taking part in the second phase of the Malabar Exercise 2021, along with the United States Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The first phase of this exercise had taken place in August earlier this year. The second phase of this exercise is focussed at Advanced Surface and Anti Submarine Warfare, along with weapon firings. India is being represented by INS Ranvijay and INS Satpura in this exercise.