US Navy warship USS Defender arrived here today on a goodwill visit. The Defender is an Avenger class anti-mine vessel. The visit of the naval warship is aimed at building strong relationship between the navies of both the countries towards peace, security and stability in the region, according to press release issued here by the US Consulate General.

“The visit gives an opportunity to the sailors of the ship to interact with their naval counterparts at Andaman Nicobar Unified Command and for cultural exchange,” the release said. US Naval ships USNS Safeguard and the anti-mine sweeper USS Patriot had visited Port Blair earlier as part of the goodwill initiative of US Navy.