Thirteen officers of the Indian Navy and three officers of the Indian Coast Guard graduated as “Observers” at a Passing Out Parade held at Naval Air Station Garuda at Kochi on 23 Aug 13. Commodore MR Ajayakumar, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy and a veteran Observer reviewed the Parade.
Lieutenant Shoshant Singh was awarded Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Naval Command Trophy for being adjudged best in flying. Lieutenant Krisha Kumar Verma was awarded Uttar Pradesh Trophy on being adjudged first in overall order of merit. Lieutenant Verma also bagged the prize for being adjudged best in ground subjects.
Observers are airborne tacticians of the Navy who conduct operations in maritime patrol and anti submarine aircraft of the Navy. During the 46 week-long course at the Observer School at INS Garuda, the Officers were trained in tactics employed in air warfare, anti submarine warfare and exploitation of electronic surveillance systems in addition to basic training in navigation and flying procedures. Commander SMGRV Saripalli is the Officer in Charge of the Observer School.
[mappress] Press Release, August 26, 2013; Image: Indian Navy