‘Operation Southern Readiness’ has started in Kochi, Kerala. Participants from 26 countries are taking part in this four-day multinational maritime security exercise organized by the Southern Naval Command. It is being organized under the command of CTF 154 of the Indian Navy.
Kochi (Kerala) [भारत]July 21 (ANI): The four-day multinational maritime security training ‘Operation Southern Readiness 26-2’ has commenced at Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala. The event was hosted by the Southern Naval Command on 20 July.
The exercise is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). 254 participants from 26 countries, 74 facilitators and four international organizations and subject experts have participated in it.
The exercise is the first conduct of ‘Operation Southern Readiness’ in India and marks an important milestone in the growing relationship between the Indian Navy and the CMF. CTF 154, the dedicated training task force of the CMF, is currently under the command of the Indian Navy and focuses on strengthening the capacity, interoperability and professional readiness of CMF partner nations through multinational maritime training.
Opening Ceremony and First Day Activities
Commander CTF 154, Commodore Milind M Mokashi delivered the opening address, followed by Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, at the inaugural ceremony. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Southern Naval Command Headquarters, gave the keynote address. These addresses emphasized the importance of professional training, shared learning and multinational cooperation to address contemporary maritime security challenges.
The inaugural day, broadly themed ‘Ship Management and Special Training’, included professional interactions and practical experiences with subject experts. Maritime security threats in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean were discussed at a session by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
This was followed by providing practical experience on Ship Handling, Navigation, Astro Navigation, Maritime Distress Communication System and Damage Control and Firefighting using state-of-the-art simulators and related training infrastructure of the Indian Navy.
Emphasis on regional cooperation and capacity building
Over the next three days, participants will engage in a diverse program of professional sessions, simulator-based training and practical activities covering key aspects of contemporary maritime security.
The exercise showcases the Indian Navy-CMF partnership in advancing regional capacity building, interoperability and collective maritime security, while also promoting professional exchanges and stronger ties between the participating nations.
According to the release, the conduct of ‘Operation Southern Readiness’ by the Southern Naval Command further strengthens the Indian Navy’s role as the ‘preferred security and training partner’ in the region. (ANI)
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