US Coast Guard Ship In Port Blair For Exercises

NEW DELHI (ANI) – The United States Coast Guard (USCG) ship Bertholf reached Port Blair on March 7 for joint exercises with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Codenamed “Sea Defenders-2024,” the joint exercise is scheduled to take place on March 9-10, off the coast of Port Blair.

The exercise will simulate scenarios relevant to maritime piracy and asymmetric threats, including simulated drone attacks on commercial merchant traffic, joint maritime search and rescue operations, major firefighting, marine pollution response, and counter-drug interdiction exercises.

Bertholf is equipped with advanced technology and weaponry, including a helicopter landing pad, state-of-the-art sensors and communication equipment. Its visit to India, traveling more than 16000 nautical miles from Alameda, CA, reflects a shared commitment to upholding maritime norms and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, Indian officials said.