SL Navy Marines FTX ‘Blue Whale 2024’ commences
October 08, 2024The “Marines Field Training Exercise (FTX), Blue Whale 2024,” organized for the third (3rd) time by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) Marines, commenced on October 05th (2024) at SLNS Vidura in Sampur, Trincomalee.
This year, 25 foreign naval personnel, including observers representing Pakistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh navies, will join their local counterparts in the FTX, says SL Navy media.
In addition, 195 SL Navy personnel and navy sea assets, including SLNS Shakthi, Inshore Patrol Craft, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, and Bell 212 and MI-17 helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force, will participate in the manoeuvres.
The Navy says the exercise aims to improve the integration of different units, share knowledge and capabilities of amphibious operations, and enhance mutual understanding among the Navy, Air Force and regional partners. The exercise will also offer an opportunity to share combat experiences and best practices among partners, identify each other's strengths, and enhance the skills of Navy Special Forces and other units.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commodore Sanjeewa Perera, senior officers, and naval officers representing Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, and naval personnel taking part in the exercise, it further says.
