ICGs capability impresses USCG

ICGs capability impresses USCG. (Source: INN)

Chennai was the center of attraction for a fine reason. This was the time it was more special as the capacity of our Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has impressed the United States Coast Guard. The moment turned out more special as Captain Bob Little said the capabilities displayed by ICG were remarkable. He is the commanding officer of US Coast Guard Cutter Ship Stratton. He and his team arrived in Chennai on August 23 for a joint exercise with ICG. While a similar exercise was held in Kochi in 2009, Captain Bob said they were looking forward to having more strategic relationships like these with India in future.

There are areas like illegal fishing, international terrorism where both the nations could work together to effectively tackle the challenges arising out of these issues. The common motive that brings both the organisations together is also keeping the Indo-Pacific region free of troubling activities. This is an area where both can work together, he said. When asked whether the rise of China was instrumental in bringing both US and Indian Coast Guards together, he said intention to combat issues like global terrorism, piracy has brought both the nations together. Soon after their arrival, they left Chennai and ventured a distance about 10 nautical miles into the sea to take part in exercises related to search and rescue, anti-piracy and mid-sea fire fighting.

Indian Coast Guard Ships Shaurya and Abhik and ICG’s Chetak helicopter took part in the exercise while US Coast Guard Cutter Ship Stratton and its Dolphin helicopter participated in the exercise. The US Coast Guard team received a warm welcome as they anchored in Chennai harbor from students of Sindhi Model Higher Secondary School while the ceremonial band was playing marshal music. While the US Coast Guard will stay in Chennai till August 27, they will play a friendly volleyball match with their Indian counterparts during their stay and also will take part in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity during the stay.

Deputy Inspector General Sanjeev Dewan, Commander Coast Guard District No. 5 (Tamil Nadu) was among others present.