Theodore Roosevelt Wraps Up Malabar 2015

U.S. Navy ^ | 10/19/2015 1:32:00 PM | Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad M. Trudeau, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

[WhiskeyX]

Story Number: NNS151019-24Release Date: 10/19/2015 1:32:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad M. Trudeau, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

BAY OF BENGAL (NNS) -- The tri-lateral exercise Malabar came to a close as Indian, Japanese and U.S. naval forces completed training, Oct. 19.

The annual high-end war fighting exercise, which began in 1992, featured maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, air defense exercises (ADEX) and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

"Every Malabar we really go one notch up, and I think we've achieved the same thing this time," said Indian Navy Rear Adm. SV Bhokare, flag officer commanding Eastern Fleet. "We have really achieved a high level of interoperability and I'm sure we will do better next time."

At-sea events started with an ADEX involving the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and the Indian frigate INS Shivalik (F 47).

"Exercise Malabar has enabled the Indian Navy, JMSDF [Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force], and the U.S. Navy to further our interoperability," said Rear Adm. Roy Kelley, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. "This in turn will allow for enhanced support from any one Navy to the next as they operate within and outside their nation's maritime region, enabling a more global presence for all. Presence is important because being there matters. It matters in global businesses, it matters in international relations and it certainly matters in maritime security where our navies ensure the freedom of navigation and flow of commerce."

[freefdny]

Coast of Malabar
The Chieftains

Far away across the ocean
Underneath an Indian star
Dwells a dark eyed lonely maiden
On the coast of Malabar

In the harbor, where we anchored
I can see her shy and sweet
With a bunch of wine-red roses
And the wild waves at her feet

Oh fare thee well, my little dark eyed queen
Fare thee well, my Indian star
In my heart you’ll live forever
On the coast of Malabar

“Come to me”, I hear her calling
Across the ocean, wild and far
“Come to me again and love me
On the coast of Malabar”

And my thoughts keep ever turning
To that far-off distant shore
And the dark eyed girl who loved me
But I’ll see her never more
Oh fare thee well, my little dark eyed queen
Fare thee well, my Indian star
In my heart you’ll live forever
On the coast of Malabar