CHENNAI, India -- Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Chennai, India, Jan 23.

While in port, Rushmore will refuel and host Indian Navy personnel, while its embarked Sailors and Marines will have opportunities to tour the local area.

"Rushmore Sailors and Marines are excited to visit Chennai and we appreciate the very warm welcome," said Cmdr. Robert Tryon, commanding officer of Rushmore. "Though this is a brief logistics and refueling port visit for Rushmore, everyone onboard is looking forward to touring Chennai and enjoying some well-deserved liberty."

Following USS Anchorage’s (LPD 23) visit to Visakhapatnam in December, this is the second time Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) personnel visited India in recent weeks and reflects a growing relationship between the U.S. and Indian navies.

The ESXARG is comprised of Rushmore, Anchorage and USS Essex (LHD 2) and the 13th MEU. The ESXARGMEU is currently deployed to the 7th fleet area of operations to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies and maintain a presence postured to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations.