VISAKHAPATNAM: US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson will arrive in Visakhapatnam to participate in the International Fleet Review 2016 (IFR-16), hosted by the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy here from February 4 to 9. The US CNO who arrived in Delhi on Tuesday, is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on Thursday and participate in the Fleet Review on February 6.
During his first visit to India, Richardson along with Naval personnel of 50 countries with visiting warships, tall-masted ships, and Heads of Navies will participate in the IFR. While in Visakhapatnam, the CNO will meet with Sailors from USS Antietam (CG 54), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, and USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer.
In a release, the US Navy said that the Admiral met some key national security officials of the Indian government in Delhi to discuss Navy-to-Navy relations and opportunities for further technical and security cooperation. According to them, his visit would help deepen maritime partnerships between the two countries. The US CNO’s visit to India and interactions with Indian and other navy leaders helps to deepen relationships and expand as well as strengthen our network of partners, the release added.