The United States’ Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) has successfully conducted a Cooperative Deployment (CODEP) with the Indian Navy following the ship’s port visit to Goa, officials announced on Wednesday. The US Navy destroyer worked with the Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash (F-50), as operations focused on building interoperability and strengthening relationships through manoeuvers and different communication exercises on Tuesday, a media statement read. US Consul General in Mumbai Mike Hankey said the port visit reinforces President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to an Indo-Pacific region built on shared values and principles “as we strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”
Hankey said that the US “recognises and values” India’s role and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region at large. “Working in concert with India, we will advance the rules-based order and maintain peace and stability in the region,” he added. “Stethem sailors greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with our partners in the region. Working together with the Indian Navy allowed us to gain a greater appreciation for creating stability off their coast following our successful port visit,” said Commander James “Nate” Watts, the commanding officer of the Stethem.
“The operations on India’s West Coast and sailing together, show our strong commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said. The statement further said that the US-India bilateral operations included division tactics, a passing exercise and formation sailing, providing both navies with the opportunity to work together to further common maritime goals. Port calls are part of the American Navy’s routine operations. Not only does this reflect the mutual interest between Washington and its partner nations, it has allowed sailors the opportunity to “decompress” from the high demand of life at sea, contributing to the overall mission readiness of the ship, the statement said.
USS Stethem is operating as part of the Commander, Task Force 71, of the US 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, the statement said. CTF 71 is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities for forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers as well as any surface unit conducting independent operations in the region, according to the release. The US 7th Fleet is the US Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region, it added.
