Panaji Aug 24 (IANS) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Goa for a scheduled port visit on Thursday.
The USS Pearl Harbor is a Whidbey Island class (cargo variant) amphibious dock landing ship with a crew of over 700 sailors and embarked Marines said a statement from the American Embassy in New Delhi.
While in Goa the ship s sailors and Marines will conduct exchanges with the Indian Navy and Indian Navy Marine Commandos relating to amphibious warfare.
"They will also engage in community relations events and have the opportunity to experience Indian culture " the statement said. This is the ship s first visit to India.
"We are thrilled by the opportunity to visit India " said Commander Theodore Essenfeld USS Pearl Harbor s commanding officer.
"The sailors and Marines of Pearl Harbor look forward to experiencing the culture and traditions of India while strengthening our long-standing partnership with the Indian Navy."
The USS Pearl Harbor was launched on February 24 1996 and commissioned on May 30 1998. The ship is based in San Diego California.
--IANS
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