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The Indian Navy (IN) and the United States Navy (USN) are conducting IN-US Bilateral Exercise SALVEX 1/2005 off Kochi from 12 Sep 05 to 23 Sep 05. The Indian Navy and US Navy regularly conduct the MALABAR and SANGAM series of bilateral exercises and SALVEX 1/2005 being conducted off Kochi is part of this ongoing cooperation. This particular exercise would focus on Diving Salvage Operations. The US Naval Ship USS Safeguard is participating in this exercise. An Indian Naval Diving Team and INS Matanga represent the Indian side. The exercise will include the deployment of underwater Combined Salvage teams comprising of divers from both the navies, SALVEX 1/2005 is the first combined Diving Salvage exercise being conducted between the US and Indian Navy. Extensive survey, salvage and diving exercises would be practiced during SALVEX. The harbour phase of the exercise includes training and professional discussions between the US and the Indian Navy. The USN personnel will also visit Indian Navy's Diving training establishment at Kochi. Apart from this, the crew of the visiting ship will take part in various sports and social activities.
SALVEX provides a valuable opportunity for the IN and the US Navy to interact professionally in various spheres of maritime warfare. This series of exercises is bound to grow in scope and complexity over the years and will help foster closer relations, mutual understanding and goodwill between the navies.
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