US Coast Guard Ship Bertholf Joins Indian Counterpart for Maritime Drill Sea Defenders-2024

Port Blair: US Coast Guard ship Bertholf has arrived for joint exercise Sea Defenders-2024 with Indian Coast Guard on Thursday. According to an official statement, exercise will be conducted from March 9–10 near Andaman’s coast. 

USCGC Bertholf to Conduct Simulated Maritime Threat Exercises with Indian Coast Guard 

Furr, exercise will focus on simulating various maritime threats like piracy and asymmetric attacks, statement ded. se simulations will include drone attacks on commercial ships, joint search and rescue operations, firefighting, pollution response, and drug interdiction exercises. ditionally, re will be a simulated medical evacuation to improve reiness during emergencies. 

USCGC Bertholf, a Legend-class cutter, is equipped with modern technology and weapons, such as a helicopter landing p, vanced sensors, and communication equipment. US Coast Guard, as per Indian Defense Ministry’s statement, plays a virtual role in law enforcement, defence, and national security missions.

“Its visit to India, travelling more than 16,000 nautical miles from Alameda, California, reflects a shared commitment to upholding maritime norms and promoting a rules-based order in Indo-Pacific region," statement furr ded.

Visit to Bolster International Maritime Cooperation 

This joint exercise, as MoD puts forth, will highlight importance of international cooperation in dressing maritime challenges as well as partnership between Indian and US Coast Guards, which is a vital aspect of strategic relationship between two nations. Over years, Indian Coast Guard and US Coast Guard have engaged in various training, exercises, and cooperative measures, strengning ir professional ties.

Prior to this, on September 22, 2022, USCG Ship Midgett h visited Chennai.