The Closing Ceremony of the Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise between India and US, Tiger Triumph 2024 was held onboard USS Somerset on Saturday, navy said here on Sunday.

The exercise signifies the robust strategic partnership between the two countries and was aimed towards sharing best practices and Standard Operating Procedures in undertaking multinational HADR operations.

The Harbour Phase was conducted at Visakhapatnam from March18 – 25, which included pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Sports engagements, ship boarding drills and cross deck visits. Personnel from both the Navies celebrated the festival of Holi together on March 25, as part of the cultural exchange programme showcasing the vibrant and vivid culture of India.

The Sea phase was conducted from March 26 to 30 and it included units of both countries undertaking maritime exercises at sea followed by landing of troops at Kakinada for setting up of a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp for HADR operations. Cross Deck helicopter operations involving UH3H, CH53 and  MH60R helicopters were also undertaken between ships of the Indian Navy and the US Navy off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.

The participating units from the Indian Navy included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) including their integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, Guided Missile Frigate and Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.

The Indian Army was represented by one Infantry Battalion Group including mechanised forces and the Indian Air Force had deployed one medium lift aircraft, transport helicopter and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).

The US Task Force comprised of a US Navy Landing Platform Dock including its integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance and medium lift aircraft, and also, US Marines.