The Tiger Triumph 2024 exercise concluded with a closing ceremony held onboard the USS Somerset. This bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise showcased the strong strategic partnership between India and the United States. The primary goal of the exercise was to share best practices and Standard Operating Procedures for conducting multinational HADR operations, effectively.
The harbour phase took place in Visakhapatnam, from 18th to 25th March 2024. During this phase, the Indian and US naval forces participated in various activities, including pre-sail discussions, subject matter expert exchange, sports events, shipboard drills, and cross-deck visits. The two nations’ personnel celebrated the festival of Holi together on 25th March 2024, as part of a cultural exchange program, highlighting India’s vibrant culture.
The sea phase, lasting from 26th to 30th March 2024, involved both countries’ naval units conducting maritime exercises at sea. They then landed 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 were carried out between Indian and US Navy ships off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam, utilizing UH3H, CH53, and MH60R helicopters.
Indian Navy’s participating units included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) with their integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, a Guided Missile Frigate, and Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Army was represented by one Infantry Battalion Group, including mechanized forces, while the Indian Air Force contributed one medium lift aircraft, a transport helicopter, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
The US Task Force consisted of a US Navy Landing Platform Dock with its integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance and medium lift aircraft, and US Marines. Special Operations Forces from all three Indian services actively participated in the exercise, collaborating with their US counterparts at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada during both the harbour and sea phases.
Team bharatshakti
