The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) with embarked elements from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Visakhapatnam, for a port call on Tuesday. U.S. Consul General Katherine Hadda greeted the ship’s arrival.
During the visit, sailors and marines will work to enhance U.S. and Indian military cooperation by conducting professional exchanges with their Indian counterparts and will have the opportunity to experience India.
“This is the continuation of a relationship critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans,” said Capt. Kevin Lane, commanding officer, USS John P. Murtha.
“It is an honour to welcome Captain Lane and the crew of the USS John P. Murtha. This visit builds on the growing Indo-Pacific defence collaboration between the United States and this region of India, and the many substantive exchanges during this visit will further solidify our partnership,” said Ms. Katherine Hadda.
Community projects
The crew and embarked marines will also participate in several community relationship-building projects throughout Visakhapatnam that will see them engage in activities with the city’s students and youth.
USS John P. Murtha is the 10th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship of the United States Navy and is named in honour of Congressman John Murtha of Pennsylvania and homeported in San Diego and is part of Naval Surface Forces and U.S. 3rd Fleet.
John P. Murtha is currently on its maiden deployment and part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team and is deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operation to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies, and maintain a presence postured to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations.
