USS Emory S. Land Crewmembers and Indian Navy Officers Engage in Important Information Exchanges

Photo By Ensign Jordyn Diomede | VISAKHAPATNAM, India (Oct. 14, 2019) - USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) Sailors and sailors from the Indian Navy pose for a photo after a subject matter expert exchange of information at the Eastern Naval Command Officers Mess in Visakhapatnam, India, Oct. 14. Land is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support theater security cooperation efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordyn Diomede/Released)  

VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA

10.15.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordyn Diomede 

USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)

VISAKHAPATNAM, India - Officers and crewmembers attached to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) met with 35 Indian Navy submariners for a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) in Visakhapatnam, India, Oct. 14-15. Among the attendees were Indian Navy Commodore Anand Yeshwant Sardesai, Commodore Commanding Submarines (East) and Capt. Sriam Amur, commanding officer of INS Shakti (A57).

The two-day event took place both aboard Land and at Indian Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

The SMEE included discussions about submarine safety, maintenance, logistics, undersea medicine, and the functions of the U.S. Navy’s submarine tenders, which are specifically manned and designed to support forward-deployed submarine operations.

Sailors from Land’s health services department shared information regarding the jobs of independent duty corpsmen and undersea medical officers and engaged in valuable discussions with their Indian counterparts.

“India’s approach to submarine medicine is very different from the United States. One difference is they actually use doctors aboard submarines, versus the U.S., who use independent duty corpsmen that are specifically trained for submarines,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Michael Atkinson, Land’s health services department leading chief petty officer and
presenter at the SMEE.

Atkinson also said both sides offered valuable insight into how both countries address mental health in regards to special duty assignments, specifically assignments in the submarine field.

Land’s officers and crewmembers also focused their discussion on the maintenance requirements of a forward-deployed submarine and the planning and logistics that go into executing this maintenance, which emphasized the need to maintain exacting standards throughout the conduct of complex repairs without compromising quality or safety.

“It was an excellent opportunity for our officers to conduct verbal exchanges about the improvements both of our countries’ submarine forces have made,” said Lt. Cmdr. Keith Wilber, Land’s production management assistant.

“The discussions were mutually beneficial, particularly with regards to logistical support to forward-deployed submarines,” said Capt. Michael D. Luckett, Land’s commanding officer.

“Our crew was able to provide a great introduction to our submarine maintenance principles and safety culture. These engagements form the foundation of a strong partnership with the Indian Navy submarine force.”

The SMEE coincided with Land’s first visit to Visakhapatnam (known locally as Vizag), one of India’s oldest port cities, and a growing tourist area. It followed USS Oklahoma City’s (SSN 723) participation in Malabar 2019, a trilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. and Indian navies conducted in September.

“Land was happy to welcome the Indian delegation aboard today and demonstrate to them the strength of our information sharing and maritime partnership,” said Luckett. “Exchanges like this that engender trust and cooperation are the culmination of dozens, if not hundreds, of crewmember and team interactions.”

The ship departed its homeport at Apra Harbor, Guam, Aug. 19. The U.S. routinely demonstrates its commitment to our partners through forward presence and operations. Land’s deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations reflects the United States’ commitment to support theater security cooperation efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Guam is home to the U.S. Navy's only submarine tenders, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), as well as four Los Angeles-class attack submarines. The submarine tenders provide maintenance, hotel services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. The submarines and tenders are
maintained as part of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed submarine force and are capable of meeting global operational requirements.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2019
• Date Posted: 10.23.2019 05:20
• Story ID: 348802
• Location: VISAKHAPATNAM, IN