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Navy Strengthens Relations with India During Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051017-04
Release Date: 10/17/2005 11:54:00 AM

By Ensign Sean Higginbotham, USS Higgins Public Affairs

GOA, India (NNS) -- During a recent port visit to Goa, India, in support of the MALABAR 2005 exercise with the Indian Navy, crew members from USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Chafee (DDG 90) and USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) participated in a series of events enhancing cooperation between the two navies, and the strengthening of relations to foster regional security.

As the ships pulled into port Oct. 3 at the conclusion of the second at-sea phase of the exercise, crews from the American and Indian ships formed teams to compete for the MALABAR Cup in a variety of sporting events, which included soccer, volleyball and basketball.

“They had a very nice field and a formal atmosphere,” said Lt j.g. David Teves, Higgins’ navigator, of the soccer game. “It was great to have some friendly athletic competition.” The Indian Navy team was the overall victor and was awarded the MALABAR Cup.

The evening was highlighted by a reception aboard Higgins. The U.S. Navy invited high-ranking officers from the Indian ships, as well as government officials, dignitaries, and business leaders from the area.

The fantail reception offered guests a broad assortment of fine food and drinks served up professionally by the supply department and associated food service attendants.

U.S. Consul General Michael S. Owen delivered welcoming remarks to all the reception attendees and spoke of how the U.S. and India shared common security interests, including a mutual desire for peace and stability in the South Asia region.

The following day, Sailors from Santa Fe and Higgins ventured out to the Bal Bhavan children’s center to assist in the refurbishment of its large auditorium. As the Sailors arrived, they were welcomed by a traditional streak of vermilion applied to their forehead by some of the center’s children.

After a quick survey of the available materials and the handing out of work assignments, the Sailors brought enthusiasm and a caring spirit that charmed the children and resident teachers of the center as they applied fresh paint to the walls of the center’s large auditorium.

Once the hard work was complete, the children of Bal Bhavan put on a cultural program that was well received by the Sailors. “Everybody had fun and enjoyed the dancing and singing from the kids,” said Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Warren Sadueste.

At the conclusion of the event, Vijayadevi Rane, chairwoman of Bal Bhavan, presented Cmdr. Jesse Wilson, commanding officer of Higgins, a huge canvas of Lord Krishna, which was painted by one of the students.

Wilson expressed his sincere gratitude to Rane and the center for allowing Higgins’ Sailors to share in the special day of goodwill, and observe the impressive display of talent and confidence by the center’s young children.

Higgins and Chafee are members of Carrier Strike Group 11, led by Rear Adm. Peter H. Daly, embarked aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The ships are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.