India-US tri-services exercise 'Tiger Triumph' to begin in Vizag on Nov 13

The maiden India-US joint tri-services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise named 'Tiger Triumph' is scheduled to begin at Visakhapatnam from November 13.

In consonance with the growing partnership between India and the US, Tiger Triumph is scheduled on the Eastern seaboard from November 13 to 21, 2019.

Indian Naval ships Jalashwa, Airavat and Sandhayak, Indian Army troops from 19 Madras and 7 Guards, and Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters and Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) would be participating in the exercise, according to an official release.

The US would be represented by US Navy Ship Germantown with troops from the US Third Marine Division. The Exercise is aimed to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations.

The Harbour Phase is scheduled to commence at Visakhapatnam from November 13 to 16.

The opening ceremony along with a Joint Flag Parade will be held onboard INS Jalashwa on November 14. Personnel from both navies would also participate in training visits, subject matter expert exchanges, sports events, and social interactions.

On completion of the Harbour Phase, the ships, with troops embarked, would sail for the sea phase and undertake maritime, amphibious and HADR operations.

On reaching the HADR area at Kakinada, the landing of Relief Forces would be undertaken to the Exercise scenario.

At the HADR Exercise Area, a Joint Command and Control Centre would be established jointly by the Indian Army and US Marines. The IAFRAMT and the US Navy Medical Team would establish a Medical Facility Camp for providing medical aid to victims, who would have been previously evacuated by road and air to the Camp.

The Exercise would culminate with a closing ceremony onboard US Naval Ship Germantown on November 21.