Southern Naval Command conducted an awe inspiring demonstration of its operational capabilities for the city of Kochi on 08 Dec 12 at the waterfront facing Rajendra Maidan and Netaji Subhash Park. A broad range of naval operations displaying its flexibility and versatility were included in the display; within the limitations imposed by shallow depths of the channel and high rise structures in the area.
Shri Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala was the Chief Guest at the event where the residents of Kochi turned out in huge numbers. The Chief Guest was received at the venue by Vice Admiral Satish Soni Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command.
The function organized as part of the Navy day celebrations, began with the marine Commandos carrying out a simulated beach assault with the leader of the team coming ashore in his menacing combat rig to deliver the programme brochure to the Chief Guest. Thereafter, a fly past by various Navy and Coast Guard aircraft including the giant TU- 142 aircraft and the IL-38 ensued. Demonstration of water sports including waterskiing and jet skiing, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seize) operation were other displays which gave the spectators a closer look at the versatility and daring of the two maritime forces. The helicopter demonstrations included the Seaking helicopter flying past the crowd with a Maruti Gypsy under slung, and STIE (small team insertion and extraction) operation where commandos were dropped and withdrawn from a hostile area and helobatics by two Chetak helicopters. A Chetak helicopter demonstrated landing on the helicopter deck of a ship, INS Sutlej, which was underway. The Marine Commandos demonstration of a clandestine takeover of an enemy offshore installation and its destruction provided the viewers an explosive spectacle.
INS Kabra, INS Kalpeni and two Indian Coast Guard Fast Patrol Vessels demonstrated their maneuvering skills by turning on the spot several times in the restricted waters of Kochi channel. The final fly past of all participating aircraft of INS Garuda in ANCHOR formation was heart-warming. After the solemn sun set ceremony, which brought to an end the demonstration, Navy ships steamed past with their illumination lights switched on.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 10, 2012; Image: Indian Navy