USS Paul Hamilton Strengthens Relationship with Indian Navy

By Ensign Ashleigh M. Share, USS Paul Hamilton Public Affairs

GOA, India (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) visited Goa, India, March 17-21.

While in port, Paul Hamilton hosted members of the Indian press as well as Indian navy officers and Sailors on board for tours of the ship and a reception.

"Defense cooperation and maritime security are major themes in the U.S.-India relationship," said Thomas Vajda, U.S. Consul General in Mumbai, India. "I was delighted to participate in several events with the crew of USS Paul Hamilton and their counterparts in the Indian Navy. I have enjoyed seeing the sense of camaraderie and friendship developing between our officers and Sailors, which augurs well for a future in which India and the United States increasingly work together to address shared security, terrorism, and piracy challenges whether they exist in the Indian Ocean region or farther afield."

Paul Hamilton Sailors also participated in a friendly basketball game with the Don Bosco College of Engineering basketball team and distributed donated Project Handclasp materials for Child Right Goa activity centers.

The ship's soccer team also had the opportunity to play against a team comprised of Sailors from the Indian navy.

"We feel working together with the Indian navy and working together often is the single most important factor in building long-standing relationships," said Cmdr. John Barsano, Paul Hamilton's commanding officer. "Building relationships through port visits like this will enable us both to call on one another during times of greatest need."

Paul Hamilton, homeported in Pearl Harbor, is currently on a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th fleet areas of responsibility.