US assault ship off Mumbai harbour

To secure the coastline during US President Barack Obamas visit,the USS Peleliu a Tarawa class amphibious assault ship has entered Indian waters off the Mumbai harbour escorted by other US vessels,sources said on Thursday. The ship usually carries AV-8B Harrier attack planes,AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters,CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters,CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and UH-1N Huey helicopters.

Sources said nearly 40 marines from the US Marine Corps are stationed on the heritage wing of

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel,along with Mumbai Police personnel.

While US authorities wanted to post snipers on buildings around the hotel and other places Obama is expected to visit,the Mumbai Police refused permission.

According to a final itinerary with the Mumbai Police,Air Force One would land in Mumbai around 11:50 a.m on November 6,following which Obama will fly to INS Shikra in a chopper,before moving on to Taj Hotel. He is scheduled to leave Mumbai at 1:45 p.m on November 7.