Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy, accompanied by Mrs. Linda Gilday and a high-level US delegation, visited Headquarters, Western Naval Command (HQWNC) at Mumbai on 15 Oct 21 and interacted with Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and his staff. Among issues discussed during the interaction were avenues to strengthen the growing cooperation between the two nations and navies, deal with challenges emerging on the maritime front and enhance collaboration and interoperability to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The CNO was provided a broad overview of regional security dynamics and the operational responses of the Western Naval Command in recent times, particularly those related to delivering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to friendly foreign countries, conducting counter piracy operations, enhancing maritime safety and security in the region, and strengthening foreign cooperation, with special emphasis on Indo-US co-operation. The crucial role played by IN ships through Operation Samudra Setu II in bringing home containerised medical oxygen to mitigate shortfalls in the country and strengthen its battle against COVID-19 was also highlighted.
The CNO addressed officers of the Western Naval Command, Southern Naval Command and various training establishments of the Indian Navy through video conference on the ‘Future of Warfare’. He also visited the Mazagon Dock Limited.
Mrs Linda Gilday visited HQWNC and interacted with women officers of the Indian Navy.
The CNO’s visit was an important event in the continued and regular dialogue between India and the US to cement and strengthen their comprehensive global strategic partnership further.
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