FOC-in-C West Reviews Joint Naval Operations at Sea During Exercise Varuna

FOC-in-C West Reviews Joint Naval Operations at Sea During Exercise Varuna

Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command embarked the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle to witness operations at sea on the last day of Exercise Varuna. The C-in-C also interacted with Mr Alexandre Ziegler, the Ambassador of France to India, Rear Admiral Didier Maleterre, ALINDIEN, Rear Admiral Olivier Lebas, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group Charles de Gaulle and the Fleet Commander of the IN's Western Fleet during the day. Exercise Varuna-19 concluded with both the IN and FN Carrier Task Forces executing close range manoeuvres. Dignitaries from both the IN and FN visited the French carrier task force and were briefed on the conduct of the exercise. An impressive flypast consisting of four Rafale, five MiG 29-Ks and one Hawkeye was witnessed by the dignitaries onboard Charles De Gaulle. In addition, a brief was held between the planning staff of both Task Forces to review conduct of the exercise and identify areas for improvement.