Amphibious Assault of Marines Field Training Exercise Blue Whale – 2024 concludes

The amphibious Assault of the Marines Field Training Exercise Blue Whale – 2024 that organized for the 3rd time by Sri Lanka Navy Marines, was successfully conducted today (10th October 2024) along the beach and sea areas of Mollikulam in the Northwestern Naval Command.

The training exercises focused on the strategic entry of friendly forces by sea into enemy-controlled areas, focusing on securing and liberating the region from enemy control, followed by stability operations to restore law and order. SLNS Shakthi deployed troops using Inshore Patrol Craft and RHIBs in three phases for the amphibious assault, following standard amphibious warfare tactics in transfering troops. The exercise was also augmented by a Bell 212 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force, transfering troops by air and casualty evacuation by air.

A total of 25 naval personnel from the Pakistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh navies are participating in this field training exercise. Additionally, 195 personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy, including members of the Naval Infantry, Marines, Special Boat Squadron, Rapid Action Boat Squadron, Expeditionary Task Force, and the Medical branch, are also involved in the exercise.

The amphibious phase which concluded today was presided over by the Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardena. Acting Commandant Naval Infantry, Commodore Sanath Pitigala, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commodore Sanjeewa Perera, Director Marine, Commodore Rohan Dissanayake, Naval Officer in Charge (Trincomalee South), and Commandant SLNS Vidura, Captain Sanjeewa Kodikara, Commanding Officer SLNS Barana, Captain TP Deegala, Commanding Officer SLNS Vidura and 1st Marine Battalion, Commander Samantha Dissanayake, senior officers from the Sri Lanka Army and Air Force as well as officers and sailors from the Navy Headquarters, Northwestern Naval Command, Eastern Naval Command and Naval Fleet Command were also present.