VISHAKHAPATNAM: The Eastern Command of the Indian Navy displayed its three dimensional prowess at the Operational Demonstration held in RK Beach here on Sunday evening.
Over a lakh people were present on the beach from Coast Battery to VMRDA Park. The event that had to be held on Dec 4 was rescheduled for Dec 10 (Sunday) due to Cyclone Michaung.
Governor Justice S Abdul Nazeer graced the event as chief guest. Health minister Vidadala Rajani was among those present to witness the event.
The Eastern Naval Command displayed its maritime, air and onshore capabilities. The demonstration gave an opportunity for the public to witness the activities of the Navy and the challenges that its personnel experienced at sea.
The op-demo commenced with detonation of charge or water plume while INS Sindhushastra submarine sailed past. Assault demo by the marine commandos using high speed boats, slithering demo by helicopter, neutralization of anti-national elements, combat free-fall by the Navy's skydiving team and presentation of memento to chief guest Governor Nazeer were the highlights of Op Demo.
The high-speed run by inshore support vessels, manoeuvres by fleet ships, anti-submarine rocket firing, helicopter landing demo, hawk demo, amphibious demo, aircraft demo by Hawk, composite fly-past by aircraft and Hawks and the illumination for ships have enthused the spectators.
The demonstration culminated with a composite fly fast by various aircraft followed by beating the retreat, a ceremonial sunset and illumination by ships.
As the Op-Demo event was held on Sunday, more people visited the beach road and witnessed this annual event, said to be the biggest in north Andhra.
The police and Navy made elaborate traffic arrangements in support of the event. The beach road was closed for vehicles from 1pm to 8pm. Parking lots were allocated in different places for the convenience of visitors.
