NAVY DAY – Central News Hub

Indian Navy to showcase combat prowess in memory of Operation Trident

India celebrates December 4 as Navy Day every year to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The Indian Navy is all set to demonstrate the country’s combat prowess and capability through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ at Visakhapatnam on Sunday on the occasion of Navy Day.

India celebrates December 4 as Navy Day every year to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The day has great significance in the history of the nation and the Indian Navy as it marks a decisive victory for India when the missile boats of the India Navy during Operation Trident, in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, successfully fired their missiles onto ships, oil installations and shore defence installations of Pakistan at Karachi.

(Photo: Indian Navy)

During the 1971 operations, the Indian Navy sank many Pakistani ships carrying war sustenance efforts and critical stores. Fighter aircraft from the deck of the INS Vikrant, struck at enemy harbours and airfields at Chittagong and Khulna, destroying ships, defence facilities and installations. Both the missile strikes at Karachi and air strikes from Vikrant led to the defeat of Pakistani Forces in the then East Pakistan.

Traditionally, the Navy Day celebrations – aimed at fostering greater outreach, renewing maritime consciousness amongst citizens and highlighting the Navy’s contributions towards national security – are conducted in New Delhi in the presence of the President and other dignitaries.

However, this year, Navy Day Celebrations are being conducted outside the national capital for the first time with President Droupadi Murmu witnessing the Visakhapatnam event as the Guest of Honour as India ushers in the ‘Amrit Kaal’.

Indian Naval ships, submarines, aircraft and Special Forces from Eastern, Western and Southern Naval Command would showcase the capability and versatility of Indian Navy with the event culminating with a sunset ceremony and illumination by ships at anchorage.

Several dignitaries from the Central and State governments are also expected to attend the event, which will be hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff.

(India Narrative)

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Indian Navy exhibits world’s largest national flag

The Indian Tricolour made of khadi, measures 225 in length and 150 feet wide, weighing a staggering 1.40 tonnes (around 1,400 kg), reports Asian Lite News

Marking the Navy Day 2021, the Indian Navy on Saturday exhibited the world’s largest national flag at the Western Naval Command here, opposite the iconic Gateway of India, an official said.

The Indian Tricolour made of khadi, measures 225 in length and 150 feet wide, weighing a staggering 1.40 tonnes (around 1,400 kg).

It was designed and manufactured by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission as part of the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence.

“As the Indian Navy re-dedicates itself to the service of the nation on Navy Day, it renews its pledge and commitment to protect and promote national interests and serve the people of India through this small but important gesture of exhibiting the monumental national flag,” said an official.

Meanwhile, Southern Naval Command as a part of Navy Week – 2021 on Saturday celebrated Navy Day by displaying operational demonstration.

Display of military precision, skills and armed operations at the Navy’s Operations Demonstration (Op Demo) which was organised by Southern naval command.

The event showcased the potent capability and provided an insight into operations at sea.

The event was hosted by Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan was the chief guest for the event.

The demonstration commenced with MARCOS (Marine Commandos) carrying out simulated combat beach reconnaissance and assault, using inflatable watercraft, Gemini, followed by delivering the programme brochure to Chief Guest. The 90 minutes long demonstration included special operations by MARCOS, from air and water; simulation of VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure) operations and aerobatics by ALH and Chetak helicopters including SAR (Search and Rescue) and Slithering Ops demo.

Fixed-wing aircraft Dornier, the Anti-Submarine warfare helicopter Seeking 42 B, the indigenously manufactured surveillance and search and rescue helicopter ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) and the Angels of the Sea, Chetak helicopter participated in the formation Flypast.

Seven ships of the Southern Naval command undertook various demonstrations which included the simulated firing of guns and helicopter landing demos on the deck of the ship. The participating ships included INS Kochi, an indigenously built Guided Missile destroyer named after the city of Kochi, INS Tarangini, INS Shardul, INS Sarvekshak, INS Sujata and the Fast Attack Crafts INS Kabra and INS Kalpeni.

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The highlight of the evening was the fast-paced Special Forces operations undertaken by the MARCOS, who displayed stealthy insertion into the enemy area and undertook the demolition of an offshore enemy installation. In addition, the specially trained sniffer dogs of the Indian Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team demonstrated its special capability of detecting an explosive device for the team to thereafter dispose-off safely.

A continuity drill performed by 30 men contingent from INS Dronachraya stood out for its stunning and precise discipline and skills in weapon handling. The display concluded with a Beating Retreat by the naval band and the ceremonial sunset ceremony. All naval ships in the harbour were illuminated during the ceremonial sunset ceremony. (ANI)

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