Visakhapatnam: The Navy might was put on display and Vizagites were in awe with the manoeuvres of MARCOS (marine commandos) and other exercises by naval stealth frigates, war ships, aircraft and gemini boats at the Operational Display (OD) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), held to mark the Navy Day here on Wednesday.
The operational display at the RK beach, witnessed by thousands of onlookers, highlighted the multi-dimensional warfare capability of the Indian Navy in protecting the vast maritime borders and interests of the country.
On this historic day in the year 1971, missile boats of the Indian Navy with their lethal and powerful missiles attacked Karachi harbour, paving the way for a great victory for India.
The ENC chief said that such an operational display of navy is held only in Vizag, due to the advantage of its location and atmosphere.
Vice-admiral Anil Chopra, the chief guest at the display, on arrival, was greeted by a burst of 84mm rockets and water plume charges by marine commandos.
This was followed by sky drivers of the navy dropping from the air with the national flag.
The display of naval power continued with the demonstration of helicopters landing and taking off from a moving column of warships in close formation, which was closely followed by high-speed runs by missile corvettes simulating missile engagement of the enemy by firing flares.
“I have only heard about such naval exercises but never witnessed them. Last time, I missed it. I am so thrilled to see them now,” said T. Satish, who had come from Vijayawada to witness the naval exercises.
The marine commandos also displayed a wide range of combat capabilities, including slithering operations and remote detonation of oil rigs. The display by the MARCOS included an exciting amphibious assault.
Seventeen aircraft of eight different types from the ENC, including the TU 142-M, and the newly-inducted P81 MR aircraft flying in all the way from Arakkonam, took the skies.
Next: Tributes paid to 1971 War martyrs
Tributes paid to 1971 War martyrs
Visakhapatnam: The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) paid homage to service personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in various actions, including the 1971 War, on Wednesday.
A floral wreath was placed by ENC commander-in-chief, vice-admiral Anil Chopra at the Navy War Memorial on the Beach Road.
Wreaths were also placed by district collector Solomon Arokiaraj and city police commissioner B. Shivadhar Reddy. They were joined by President Navy Foundation vice-admiral (retd) A.V.R. Narayan Rao and Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer Captain (Retd) Satya Prasad and 120 NCC cadets.
The ENC celebrated the Navy Day on Wednesday.
Commanding-in-chief of ENC vice-admiral Anil Chopra pays tributes to the martyrs at the Navy War Memorial on the occasion of Navy Day on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
On this historic day in the year 1971, missile boats of the Indian Navy, with their lethal and powerful missiles, attacked Karachi harbour, paving the way for a great victory for India.
On this occasion, all the personnel of the ENC re-dedicate themselves to the service of the country and to protect the vast maritime boundaries and the national assets off the Eastern seaboard.
A 50-men Guard of Honour was paraded on the occasion, and on arrival, the commander-in-chief proceeded to the War Memorial in slow march with the wreath bearers marching in front.
The Guard performed the Salami Shastra followed by Shok Shastra and the commander-in-chief placed the floral wreath.
When the bugler sounded the Last Post, a two-minute silence was observed.
With the Guard reverting to the Salami Shastra position, the bugler sounded rouse, marking the conclusion of the ceremony.
