Sunday, September 11 2005 14:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kochi: Indian and US Naval personnel will jointly conduct 'SALVEX', the first combined diving and salvage exercise being conducted between the two navies, off Kochi from tomorrow (Sept 12, 2005).

The two navies regularly conduct the 'Malabar' series of bilateral exercises and 'SALVEX' is being conducted as part of this ongoing cooperation, a Naval press release said in Kochi today (Sept 11, 2005).

The 12-day exercise will conclude on Sep 23.

The US Naval ship USS Safeguard is participating in the exercise, while an Indian Naval diving team and INS Matanga will represent the Indian Navy. The exercise would include the deployment of underwater combined salvage teams compromising divers from both the navies.

Extensive survey, salvage and diving exercises would be practiced during SALVEX.

The harbor phase of the exercise includes training and professional discussions between the US and the Indian Navy.

The US naval personnel would also visit navy's Diving training establishment here.