KOCHI: A rare moment of eye-to-eye contact. The two helicopters looked at each other; they were in a holding position; maintaining same distance they began rotating to the left; while spinning the two went upwards from a height of 200 feet to 500 feet; the duo took a full turn at 350 feet; then they departed. It was a breathtaking moment. Kochi witnessed a spectacular display of the operational prowess of the Indian Navy on Sunday. The operational demonstration of the Indian Navy, organised by the Southern Naval Command to mark the grand finale of the Navy Fest at the Kochi backwaters on Sunday, was a rare experience for the viewers.
The demonstration began with a flypast by different types of Naval aircraft. The Chetaks began the show, closely followed by ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) and Seaking 42 Charley; a Dornier and an Islander followed; the high speed helos of the Indian Navy - IL 38 from Goa flew past. And then came Indian Navy’s pride. Navy’s largest aircraft TU 142 M flew past. The heptor, mainly used for submarine hunt and similar operations came to the city for the display from Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu. Various exercises, complex manoeuvres by helicopters, search and rescue demonstrations, sky diving, slithering operation by marine commandos (MARCOS), jeep lift demonstration and continuity drill were part of the demonstration. Governor R S Gavai was the chief guest of the event. Vice Admiral K N Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command was present. The highlight of the display was the slithering operation and STIE (Small Team Insertion and Extraction) by MARCOS. The awe-inspiring slithering operation carried out from a Seaking 42 Charley was led by Lt Com Sidhardh Khadki of diving school. The marine commandoes then demonstrated how a marine target can be traced and destroyed. The display carried out from the survey ship INS Nireekshak was led by Com Arun Pratap Gulaya. Then came STIE. The commandos hooked to a helicopter rope were taken back after the operation. A flypast in tango formation by all helicopters, led by Commodore V K Garg, commanding officer of INS Garuda was the special attraction of the demo.
The helicopters which together formed a ‘T’ symbolising ‘Thank you’ was widely appreciated by the gathering. Demonstration of an actual rescue operation from a Chetak was applauded by the viewers.
The helicopter displayed some complex manoeuvres, including a non-stop turn and a spot turn enthralled all. Skydiving by a six-member team from a Sea King helicopter and water sports by the Seamanship School were part of the display.