USS Stethem Conducts Cooperative Deployment with Indian Navy Following Goa Port Visit

19 July 2023

From Lt.Cmdr. Seth Koenig

INDIAN OCEAN - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) conducted a Cooperative Deployment (CODEP) with the Indian Navy following the ship's port visit to Goa, India, on July 18.

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The Conning Officer Ensign Skylar Lodice waves to the INS Tarkash while she is alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) Indian Ocean, July 18. Stethem is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9

INDIAN OCEAN (July 18th, 2023) The Conning Officer Ensign Skylar Lodice waves to the INS Tarkash while she is alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) Indian Ocean, July 18. Stethem is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Junior Grade Saavan Patel)

“The port visit reinforces President Biden and Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to an Indo-Pacific region built on shared values and principles as we strengthen the relationship between our two countries,” said U.S. Consul General of Mumbai Mike Hankey. “We recognize and value India’s role and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region at large. Working in concert with India, we will advance the rules-based order and maintain peace and stability in the region.”

The U.S. Navy destroyer worked with the Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash (F-50), and the operations focused on building interoperability and strengthening relationships through maneuvering and communication exercises.

Officers from the Indian Navy receive a tour hosted by second tour division officers aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) inport Goa, India, July 17. Stethem is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9.

GOA, INDIA (July 17th, 2023) Officers from the Indian Navy receive a tour hosted by second tour division officers aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) inport Goa, India, July 17. Stethem is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9.

“Stethem Sailors greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with our partners in the region, working together with the Indian Navy allowed us to gain a greater appreciation for creating stability off their coast following our successful port visit,” said Cmdr. James “Nate” Watts, commanding officer of Stethem. “The operations on India’s West Coast, sailing together, show our strong commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The U.S.-India bilateral operations included division tactics, a passing exercise and formation sailing, providing both navies the opportunity to work together to further common maritime goals.

Port calls are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine operations. Not only do they reflect the mutual interest between the U.S and its partner nations, they allow Sailors an opportunity to decompress from the high demand of life at sea, contributing to the overall mission readiness of the ship.

The INS Tarkash steams into formation during alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) Indian Ocean, July 18. Stethem is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9.

INDIAN OCEAN (July 18th, 2023) The INS Tarkash steams into formation during alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) Indian Ocean, July 18. Stethem is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Junior Grade Saavan Patel)

Stethem is operating as part of Commander, Task Force 71, U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. CTF 71 is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities for forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers as well as any surface unit conducting independent operations in the region.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.