U.S., Indian, Japan Navies to Participate in Malabar 2015

CHENNAI, India – Naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2015, Oct. 14-19, 2015.

Malabar is a complex, high-end warfighting exercise that has grown in scope and complexity over the years. Malabar 2015 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multi-national maritime relationships and mutual security issues.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. While ashore in Chennai, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations; maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations; surface and anti-submarine warfare; medical operations; damage control; explosive ordnance disposal (EOD); helicopter operations; and visit board search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

The at-sea portions will be conducted off the east coast of India and are designed to advance participating nations’ military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment. Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; photo exercise; submarine familiarization; high-value unit defense; air defense exercises; mine exercise; medevac; surface warfare exercises; communications exercises; search and rescue exercises; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercises; and anti-submarine warfare.

Participants from the U.S. Navy include the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with embarked Carrier Air Wing 1, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60); the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3); a P-8A Poseidon aircraft; and a Los Angeles-Class fast-attack submarine.

The Indian, Japan and U.S. navies have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. Each iteration of this exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between our Sailors and we hope to be able to continue this process over time. As members of Pacific nations, our navies are natural partners, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our bonds and personal relationships.

For a list of participating Indian forces, please refer to the Indian Navy Headquarters. For a list of participating Japan forces, please refer to the Japan Maritime Staff Office.