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Foreword

Northeast Asia Engagement ::

People's Republic of China and U.S. Forces Enhancing Maritime Safety Throughout the Asia-Pacific Region

Proliferation Security Initiative Activities Attract International Interest

Cooperative Understanding ::

Cambodia-U.S. Navies Conduct Historic Exchange

Regional Response Forces ::

Indian, Canadian and U.S. Forces Partner for a Safer Asia-Pacific Region

RIMPAC 2006:
Fostering Regional Peace and Security

Philippine-U.S. Forces Building Interoperability and Goodwill

Happenings ::

Happenings

Indian Soldiers Train with U.S. Marines
During a port visit to Mumbai, Indian soldiers and U.S. Marines conducted small-arms weapons and live-fire training aboard USS Boxer. At the same time, Indian Army commandos and U.S. Special Forces Marines engaged in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) events aboard Indian ships. MALABAR 2006 emphasized VBSS training because of the three nations’ common goal against piracy and smuggling operations.

The VBSS exercises included helicopter search and seizure, small boat operations, and beach reconnaissance in support of amphibious landings. “The VBSS training brought U.S. Marines together with Indian commandos to share tactics, techniques and procedures,” said U.S. Marine Capt. Todd Opalski.

“We learned a lot from the Indian Army,” said U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Daniel Priest. He noted that Indian soldiers are experts at “controlling a platoon-sized element in a counterinsurgency environment.”

Sailors aboard USS Boxer also interacted with the Indian soldiers. “I showed a few of the Indian soldiers how to find their way around the ship,” said U.S. Navy SN George Mendez. “The ship can be intimidating, and it was great helping them out. They were always very polite and professional.”

“The whole experience has been very good in the sense that both militaries have learned so much from each other these past few days,” said Indian Army Capt. Dinesh Singh. “The Marines went out of their way to help us understand the way they fight.”

“Although both the Indian Army and the U.S. Marines have different missions, interoperability between the two is important in case future operations develop,” said Capt. Singh. “In order to operate efficiently, the coalition forces must believe in each other. MALABAR 2006 gives us this opportunity.”

The USS Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group Visit to Mumbai
In Mumbai for the in-port phase of Exercise MALABAR 2006, leaders from the three navies discussed relationships, combined military strategy, and humanitarian assistance capabilities. In addition, USS Boxer personnel hosted tours for Indian naval officers and enlisted sailors.

While aboard USS Boxer, Rear Adm. Anup Singh, commanding officer of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, noted that each MALABAR exercise increases bonds and readiness between the forces. “During each MALABAR exercise, we try to take it up a notch from the previous,” he said, adding that safety is the top priority and open lines of communication are vital. He noted that the MALABAR exercises have built long-lasting relations between India and America. He also said the integration of the Canadian Navy and U.S. and Indian Coast Guard ships builds on the success of previous exercises.

“The United States and India share democratic traditions, and we share seafaring traditions,” said U.S. Navy Capt. David Angood, commanding officer of the BOXESG. “We are natural partners and friends, and look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds and personal relationships between our two navies and advancing into more complex operational and strategic areas that go beyond tactical exercises.”

The port visit also offered U.S. forces a chance to give back to the host nation. More than 100 BOXESG personnel volunteered to support Habitat for Humanity by helping to build homes in Lonavala, India. “For me, working with the international community building homes for those less fortunate was better than liberty,” said U.S. Navy PO1 Edreal Evans.

Conclusion
During the exercise, the three forces tested their response capabilities and ability to work with each other. A main goal of the exercise was to build on the complexity and intensity of previous exercises, while incorporating the strategic and tactical requirements of an expeditionary strike group. “I thought this MALABAR exercise went exceptionally well,” said Capt. Angood. “Everything we did was at an advanced level for this type of exercise.”

The addition of the Indian Coast Guard cutter Samar and U.S. Coast Guard cutter Midgett allowed for the exchange of Coast Guard practices between nations in maritime law enforcement, anti-piracy operations, pollution control, search and rescue, and VBSS support. “We brought some capabilities that allowed us to communicate with the Indians, as well as other coalition partners,” said Capt. Angood. “We were able to practice that and hopefully develop that the next time MALABAR happens.”

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