New Delhi: The Closing Ceremony of the Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise between India and the United States, dubbed Tiger Triumph 2024, was held onboard USS Somerset on March 30. This exercise, which symbolizes the robust strategic partnership between the two nations, aimed to exchange best practices and Standard Operating Procedures for multinational HADR operations.
The exercise comprised two main phases: the Harbour Phase held at Visakhapatnam from March 18 to 25, and the Sea Phase conducted from March 26 to 30. During the Harbour Phase, various activities including pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, sports engagements, ship boarding drills, and cross-deck visits took place. Notably, personnel from both Navies celebrated the festival of Holi together on March 25, showcasing the vibrant culture of India as part of the cultural exchange program.
The Sea Phase witnessed units from both countries engaging in maritime exercises at sea, followed by the landing of troops at Kakinada to establish a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp for HADR operations. Cross Deck helicopter operations involving UH3H, CH53, and MH60R helicopters were also conducted between ships of the Indian Navy and the US Navy off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.
The Indian Navy’s participation included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) along with their integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, Guided Missile Frigate, and Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Army contributed one Infantry Battalion Group including mechanized forces, while the Indian Air Force deployed one medium lift aircraft, transport helicopter, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
The US Task Force comprised a US Navy Landing Platform Dock with integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance, and medium lift aircraft, in addition to US Marines.
Furthermore, Special Ops Forces from all three Services participated in the exercise, jointly undertaking combined operations with their US counterparts at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada during both the Harbour and Sea phases.