The Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise, Tiger Triumph 2024, concluded with a grand Closing Ceremony held aboard the USS Somerset on March 30, 2024. This exercise symbolized the robust strategic partnership between India and the United States, aiming to exchange best practices and Standard Operating Procedures for multinational HADR operations.
The Harbour Phase, conducted in Visakhapatnam from March 18 to 25, 2024, encompassed various activities such as pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Sports engagements, ship boarding drills, and cross deck visits. A highlight of this phase was the joint celebration of the festival of Holi on March 25, 2024, fostering cultural exchange and showcasing India’s vibrant culture.
During the Sea Phase from March 26 to 30, 2024, units from both countries engaged in maritime exercises at sea, followed by troop landings at Kakinada to establish a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp for HADR operations. Cross Deck helicopter operations involving UH3H, CH53, and MH60R helicopters were conducted between ships of the Indian Navy and the US Navy off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.
The Indian Navy’s participating units included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) with their integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, Guided Missile Frigate, and Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Army contributed one Infantry Battalion Group, including mechanized forces, while the Indian Air Force deployed one medium lift aircraft, transport helicopter, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
The US Task Force consisted of a US Navy Landing Platform Dock with integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance, and medium lift aircraft, along with US Marines.
Additionally, Special Ops Forces from all three Services participated in the exercise, conducting combined operations with their US counterparts at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada during both the harbour and sea phases.