The ship will be the first of its type in the Indian Navy and the force's second largest vessel after the aircraft carrier INS Viraat. It can carry close to a battalion or 1,000 troops and sustain them over a long period of time.
An Indian Navy team of 302 sailors and 27 officers joined the ship at Norfolk on 21 October last year to be trained in operating it. It is scheduled to reach Indian waters in two months.
Between November 2005 and January 2006, Indian and US naval personnel focussed on training to operate the huge ship. They operated together during ship-board training in port and at sea.
Six UH-3H Sea King helicopters were acquired along with the ship. The Indian Navy currently operates similar helicopters.
