Malabar 2012

ARABIAN GULF - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits in the Arabian Gulf, March 9, 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

The United States 7th Fleet arrived in Chennai to join the Indian Navy for Malabar 2012.  Naval personnel from India and the U.S. will participate in Exercise Malabar from April 9-16, 2012.  Malabar is a regularly scheduled naval field training exercise and has grown in scope and complexity over the years.  Malabar 2012 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues.

This year’s participants include the crews from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson(CVN 70); the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52); the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97); a logistics ship; a P-3C aircraft; and a submarine.

Malabar 2012 will feature both ashore and at-sea training.  While ashore in Chennai, India, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on counter-piracy operations, carrier aviation operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations and anti-submarine warfare operations.

The at-sea portions will be conducted in two phases.  Phase I will be conducted in the vicinity of Chennai while Phase II will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal and west of the Nicobar Islands.  They are designed to advance participating nations' military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.

Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group operations; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS); maritime strike; air defense exercises; encounter exercises; shore-based surface strikes; and anti-submarine warfare.

The Indian Navy and U.S. 7th Fleet have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea.  This exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between our Sailors and we hope to be able to continue this process over time.

The United States and India share common values and seafaring traditions. Our navies are natural partners, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds and personal relationships between our navies.

Rear Admiral Thomas K. Shannon (PDF 113 KB), Commander of Carrier Strike Group One, will lead the exercise. He is also joined by Captain John Steinberger (PDF 20 KB), Commodore of Destroyer Squadron ONE; Captain Richard A. LaBranche (PDF 69 KB), Commander of Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN; Captain Kent D. Whalen (PDF 830 KB), Commanding Officer of USS Carl Vinson; Commander Paul C. Spedero (PDF 535 KB), Executive Officer of USS Carl Vinson; Captain Mike Ford (PDF 696 KB), Commanding Officer of the USS Bunker Hill; and Commander Mike Weeldreyer (PDF 867 KB), Commanding Officer of the USS Halsey.