VISAKHAPATNAM -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, along with senior representatives from more than 50 navies around the world, joined Adm. RK Dhowan, Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, in opening the International Fleet Review Feb. 5 in Visakhapatnam, India.
The event is the Indian Navy's premier international engagement for 2016, allowing the host nation an occasion to display its maritime capabilities and the “bridges of friendship” it has built with other maritime nations.
During an opening press conference Dhowan told the audience navies and coast guards of the world must work together to keep the world sea lanes safe and secure.
“Security stability and safety in the global commons is the responsibility of coastal states and navies of the world,” said Dhowan. No one navy can do it by themselves – it is the responsibility of all of us in “white uniforms” to do it together.
CNO is on a five-day visit to India, his first since taking office in September. During a stop in New Delhi, he met with key national security officials from across the government of India to discuss strategic relations between the two countries, as well as opportunities for greater security cooperation.
“Today, U.S.-India defense ties are strong and continue to grow stronger with each passing engagement. We are two countries with similar values--democratic governments, civilian control of the military, all volunteer forces. There is much that binds our nations and navies together.”
At a press conference on Tuesday, CNO told reporters that the U.S. has a vested interest in seeing a stable, secure, and peaceful maritime domain to support the global economy, but it cannot do it alone.
“We value partners of like-minded countries, such as India,” said Richardson. “A close, continuing, and expanding partnership is important for security and stability in Asia and for effectively managing Indian Ocean security in the twenty-first century.”
In addition to participating in Fleet Review events, while in Visakhapatnam, CNO will meet with Sailors from USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85). The two ships are representing the U.S. Navy in the “President’s Fleet Review” Saturday.
Richardson and other heads of Navy will join Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on the Presidential Yacht as he reviews the International Fleet and observes a 45-aircraft flyover.
A central Line of Effort for CNO is to expand and strengthen our network of partners. The visit to India and interactions with Indian and other Navy leaders help to deepen relationships and expand shared maritime interests.
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