VISAKHAPATNAM: It was a day to remember for the denizens. Navy personnel demonstrated their skills on the Republic Day. The rehearsals of the International Fleet Review (IFR 2016) which kick started on Tuesday left the locals awestruck.
A large crowd gathered at the RK Beach since morning to watch the show. The ‘Aircraft Fly past close to the beach’, conducted in the morning, received standing ovation cheering the Naval personnel. Children and even senior citizen were seen viewing the air show with binoculars. Many young shutterbugs were busy capturing the acrobatics by aircraft pilots. Children had gala time when aircraft and choppers came close to the shore.
“Vizag will be on the International map with the IFR event. The show by the armed personnel for the last couple of days was fantastic and raised expectations over the IFR event. Unfortunately we didn’t get passes,” said Raghavendra Rao, a SBI employee from the city, who watched the show along with his family.
Some Navy ships anchored near the shore. By evening, many Navy ships were decked up and illuminated. However, foggy conditions disappointed the spectators.
The operational demonstration rehearsals will continue for three more days. ‘Fleet review close to the sea’ will be on January 31, while the city parade and other events will take place from Feb 1 and the MARCOS will participate. As the city parade will be the major event for which public are allowed, people who didn’t get passes are expected to come in large number to witness the rehearsals of operational demonstrations from Wednesday.