With An Eye On The Pacific, US-India Maritime Patrol Concludes

CHENNAI, (IANS) – The Indo-US maritime patrol and reconnaissance training by the Tridents of Patrol Squadron VP 26 of the United States and the Albatross of the Indian Naval Air Squadron ended on August 30 at the India Naval Air Station Rajali in Raikkonen, near here.

This was the latest in a series of interactions between the US and Indian navies, reflecting their shared commitment to building interoperability and collaborating in support of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The training included combined anti-submarine warfare, which is focused on improving interoperability between the maritime patrol and reconnaissance of the two naval forces.

Lt Ryan Speir, VP 26 Detachment officer in charge, said, “This is a great opportunity to strengthen our partnership with India and improve our ability to work together to protect the maritime commons.”

He also said that P-8A is a highly capable aircraft that plays a vital role in ASW operations, and this professional exchange will ensure that we are able to effectively use this asset in a combined environment.

The two squadrons participated in flying and non-flying activities which included discussions on operational planning, maintenance training, and logistical support. VP-26 and INAS 312 also coordinated flying events with Indian naval surface ships.