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For the third time, Indo-Pacific Endeavour has returned to India aimed at engaging military-to-military exchanges, volunteer work in the community, designed to bolster the regional partnership activities by sailing in company with Indian Navy ships.
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A key focus was Army-to-Army engagement with Australian soldiers joining their Indian counterparts for amphibious training and a session on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
Australian Army officer Captain Shaun Montgomery said both sides exchanged “lessons learned” from HADR activities they have been involved in.
“We were just two partners being open and honest about our experiences and adding a new lens to how each country operates to support HADR and defence aid to the civil community.
“Both of our defence forces have significant experience in this area, so it was a positive exchange.
“The conversation was flowing,” CAPT Montgomery said.
HMAS Adelaide Commanding Officer Captain Troy Duggan was proud to see Australian Defence Force members engaging across all levels during the three-day port visit to Visakhapatnam.
“Though it was a short stay, we were welcomed with open arms by our friends in India.
“Our team met with Indian Defence Force leadership, showcased defence technologies with local industry and many of our members were approached for selfies in the street by the local population.
“Clearly, the people of Visakhapatnam were glad to host the ADF,” CAPT Duggan said.
Indian Navy Ships Jalashwa and Kavaratti sailed for two days with the Australian Navy ships conducting boat operations, helicopter deck landings and officer of the watch manoeuvres.
According to Adelaide’s Navigation Officer, Lieutenant Commander John Miller, who helped coordinate the passage exercises, it was a solid opportunity for interoperability for both navies.
“These manoeuvres provide an excellent staging opportunity for our teams to gain experience and demonstrate what it is that we all bring to the table.
“It also solidifies the mutual respect we have as mariners across our two navies,” LCDR Miller said.
[Related: ADF investigates reports China ‘luring’ Aussie pilots for military training]
