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Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group Completes Visit to Mumbai, Malabar

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061106-09
Release Date: 11/6/2006 10:17:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian Gaines, USS Boxer Public Affairs

MUMBAI, India (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) pulled into Mumbai, India, for a visit Oct. 31-Nov. 3 for the in-port phase of Exercise Malabar 2006.

The purpose of the multinational exercise, which focuses on a number of naval mission areas, is to strengthen ties between American, Canadian and Indian forces, as well as enhance the cooperative security relationship between the nations involved.

Malabar 2006 is the ninth Malabar exercise involving the U.S. and Indian navies but the first time the Royal Canadian Navy and international Coast Guard forces have participated. It is also the first time the exercise involves an expeditionary strike group.

The flag officer commanding the western fleet of the Indian navy, Rear Adm. Anup Singh, said the relationships the Malabar exercises have built between India and America are long lasting. He also said the integration of the Canadian navy and U.S. and Indian coast guard ships is vital to building on the success of previous exercises.

While in Mumbai, leadership from the three navies met and discussed U.S., Indian and Canadian relations, combined military strategy, and humanitarian assistance capabilities. The Indian guided-missile destroyer INS Mysore (D 60) also hosted an international press conference discussing the success of Malabar 06 and the direction of future exercises.

During the visit, Boxer hosted tours for Indian naval officers and enlisted sailors. The visit also gave BOXESG a chance to re-supply before going underway to conduct the final phase of Malabar 06.

BOXESG crew members were able to enjoy the local culture through various Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) events. These included a trip on a Buddhist trail, touring Mumbai by night, and a trip through the Kanheri Caves. The visit also offered Sailors a chance to give back to the host nation. More than 100 BOXESG Sailors volunteered to support Habitat for Humanity's “Carter Project” to help improve the lives of families by building single-family homes in Lonavala, India.

“For me, working with the international community building homes for those less fortunate was better than liberty,” said Boxer Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) 1st Class Edreal Evans.

Boxer is the flagship for the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), operating out of San Diego, Calif., which is reporting operationally to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/ Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy’s only forward–deployed amphibious task force.