CHENNAI, SEP 19
Indo-US Coast Guard Joint Exercise “Abhyas-01/22” was conducted off Chennai on Monday. The exercise focussed towards acquainting the Coast Guards with each other’s capabilities and strengthen their working level relationship towards enhancing inter-operability in the field of maritime search and rescue, boarding operations and other maritime law enforcement duties,says a Defence release.
“The highlights of the exercise encompassed various fleet maneuvers, the scenario of the hijacking of a vessel and subsequent rescue of its crew in a coordinated anti-piracy joint operation of both countries. Interdiction of pirated vessel, coordinated joint Boarding operation, SAR demonstration and external fire-fighting to salvage burning ships were the other highlights of the exercise,” the statement added.
The four-day visit of United States Coast Guard Cutter Midgett to Chennai on a goodwill visit culminated on Monday. During the visit USCG ship had professional exchanges on Visit-Board-Search-Seizure, Cross Deck visits, Friendly Volleyball match with Indian Coast Guard counterparts from September 16 to 19.
USCGC Midgett is commanded by US Coast Guard Captain Willie Carmichael since August 2021. Prior to this assignment, Captain Carmichael served as the Commodore of the USCG’s Patrol Forces Southwest Asia operating in the Middle East.
“The US Coast Guard has a longstanding commitment to our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” said Captain Carmichael.
