The following is excerpted from a United States Navy press release issued July 28.
The Pathfinder Class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) visited Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly known as Port Blair) on July 25, 2025, marking the first port visit to India by a U.S. Navy Special Mission vessel in two decades. This port visit demonstrates U.S. and India’s shared democratic values and mutual commitment to advancing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through strengthened maritime partnership.
During the visit, Bowditch leadership conducted office calls with the leadership of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The ship also hosted tours for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard counterparts, fostering deeper cooperation between the two maritime forces.
“The officers and crew of the USNS Bowditch have been proud to participate in many activities during our visit that not only boost morale but also strengthen our relationship with our partners, the Indian Navy,” said Capt. Dave Mitchell, commanding officer of the USNS Bowditch.
Bowditch is an oceanographic survey ship attached to Military Sealift Command and is currently underway in the Indo-Pacific supporting 7th fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, alongside allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Bowditch is one of six oceanographic survey ships operated by personnel from the Naval Oceanographic Office located at the John C. Stennis Space Center located in Bay St. Louis, Miss.
The USNS Bowditch is operated by Ocean Ships Inc. for Military Sealift Command and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard personnel alongside U.S. Navy sailors pose in front of the pathfinder class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) following a ship tour during a scheduled port visit to Sri Vijaya Puram, India, July 25, 2025.
AMO Captain David Mitchell (middle) poses with Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard personnel in the bridge of the USNS Bowditch during a scheduled port visit to Sri Vijaya Puram, India.
Chief Mate Daniel Vich is welcomed to Port Blair as the USNS Bowditch conducts the first port visit by a U.S. Navy Special Mission vessel in two decades.