Visit Of Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief Of Naval Operations, Us Navy, To Hqwnc On 15 Oct 21

Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), US Navy, accompanied by Mrs. Linda Gilday and a high-level US delegation, visited HQWNC at Mumbai on 15 October 2021 and interacted with Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, FOCINC WNC, and his staff. Among issues discussed during the interaction were avenues to strengthen the growing cooperation between the two nations and navies, deal with challenges emerging on the maritime front and enhance collaboration and interoperability to ensure maritimesecurity in the IOR. The CNO was provided a broad overview of regional security dynamics and the operational responses of the WNC in recent times, particularly those related to delivering HADR to Friendly Foreign Countries, conducting counter piracy operations, enhancing maritimesafety and security in the region, and strengthening foreign cooperation, with special emphasis on Indo-US co-operation. The crucial role played by IndianNavy ships through Operation Samudra Setu II in bringing home containerized medical oxygen to mitigate shortfalls in the country and strengthen its battle against COVID19 was also highlighted. The CNO addressed officers of the WNC, SNC and various training establishments of the Indian Navy through video conference on the ‘Future of Warfare’. He also visited the Mazgaon Dock Limited. Mrs. Linda Gilday visited HQWNC and interacted with women officers of the Indian Navy. The CNO's visit was an important event in the continued and regular dialogue between India and the US to cement and strengthen their comprehensive global strategic partnership further.