The Navy has released dramatic photos from Exercise Tiger Triumph 2024 that concluded in late March.
One photo shows a sailor from California saluting as an Indian Navy helicopter takes off from the USS Somerset, a San Diego-based amphibious transport dock.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Michael Aguilar from Glendale is pictured on the flight deck as a Republic of India Navy UH-3H Sea King leaves.
The ship was underway in the Bay of Bengal during the annual amphibious exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief readiness and interoperability.
The Somerset, which is named for the passengers who gave their lives to take over a hijacked airliner in 2001, carried elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Pendleton and was accompanied by the guided missile destroyer USS Halsey.
The United States and India, the world’s two most populous democracies, have strengthened military ties in recent years to counter China’s influence in the region.
