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Foreword

RIMPAC 2004:
Demonstrating Shared Resolve for Regional Peace and Security

MALABAR 2004:
Enhancing Peace and Security in the Asia-Pacific Region

Happenings

	A U.S. Navy sailor shows Indian children how a video camera works during a community service project at the Trust of Nanu Nago School for the poor. U.S. sailors painted the school and entertained the children. Photo by JOC(SW) Rick Chernitzer, USN
	An Indian Navy VBSS member from the INS Mysore (D 60) and a U.S. sailor aboard the USS Cowpens (CG 63) discuss the exercise. Photo by JOC Rick Chernitzer, USN
	An Indian Navy musician gives members of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Rock Band, a demonstration of the tabla, a percussion instrument. The two bands played for each other and enjoyed lunch and tea before a joint-evening concert in New Delhi. Photo by JO1(SW) Alyssa Batarla, USN
	Children at the Prayas Children’s Home perform for members of the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Rock Band. Photo by JO1(SW) Alyssa Batarla, USN
	The U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Rock Band performs at Prayas Children’s Home. Photo by JO1(SW) Alyssa Batarla, USN

The concert brought about 300 guests to the Naushala auditorium where the Indian Navy Band performed several selections, including a traditional song and “White Lightning” by Deep Purple. After the Indian Navy Band performed, the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Rock Band took the stage, playing everything from disco to jazz to current rock hits. Indian Navy Band members in the back of the auditorium danced, cheered, and clapped along. “We have just been privileged to view a musical feast,” said Indian Navy Commodore Ravinder Dutha, after listening to the joint concert. “We look forward to join hands, not only in music, but in everything else the two navies do,” he added. “Until you come back, we will remember you.” The U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Rock Band also performed for the 450 children at the Prayas Children’s Home in New Delhi. Prayas, a home that helps get children off the streets and out of exploitation in three Indian states, hosted the U.S. Navy band for an hour-long concert. The band performed a high-energy mix of current rock and disco hits. While the majority of the children could not understand the words, they understood the music and spent the hour dancing and clapping along. Before the band’s performance, the nine-member U.S. Navy band arrived to a traditional greeting by the children that included a drummer, dancer, and a welcoming ceremony. After setting up for the concert, the children performed several traditional Indian songs and dances for the sailors. The U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Rock Band was at the shelter as part of a 19-day friendship and cultural exchange tour in India that took the band to Chennai, Vizag, Kolkata, Kharagpur, Mumbai, and Goa. While in New Delhi, the band also performed a concert at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi’s premium cultural venue, for a crowd of 500 who clapped and cheered along.

Conclusion
“ Working with each other and building friendships is what this is really all about,” said U.S. Navy Capt. John Sorce, Commanding Officer of USS Cowpens (CG 63). “We are learning about each other, but we’re also learning to trust each other. It’s all about building allies and friendships, so if called upon in later days, it makes it easier for us all to work together and perform together. If we ever have to go to battle side by side, we’ll go much better, having had the experience we gained this week.” Exercise MALABAR 2004 helped develop an environment of cooperation and interoperability between the naval forces of India and the United States. Both nations share many common interests that include protecting national security and a mutual desire for peace and stability in the South Asia region. When each country’s armed forces work together, as they did in MALABAR 2004, they foster a strong spirit of cooperation and respect. ?

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