Kochi, Thursday 15 April 2010: As part of his six-day visit to India aimed at strengthening naval cooperation between India and the U.S., Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) of the United States Navy, will visit Kochi today.

Pertinently, Admiral Roughead’s visit happens during the run-up to the 2010 edition of the MALABAR series of exercises scheduled to take place from April 23 to May 2. Four capital warships, a submarine and a few aircraft from each side are slated to take part in the annual exercise.

Arriving at Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) today morning for a day-long visit, Admiral Roughead will have a meeting with Vice-Admiral Krishnan Nair Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, who will brief the U.S. Navy Chief on various training activities undertaken by the training command of the Navy. Following this, Admiral Roughead will visit the Navigation Direction School at the Naval Base.

In the afternoon, Admiral Roughead will have a few private engagements and social commitments. He will leave India on Friday.