VISAKHAPATNAM: The combat capability of the Eastern Naval Command got a fillip with the commissioning of two new Air Squadrons at naval air station INS Dega here today.
The two Naval Air Squadrons, INAS 311 and INAS 350 were commissioned by Eastern Naval Command Chief Vice Admiral Nirmal Verma. Addressing the gathering, Verma said that the milestone was being reached after a four decades. From the humble beginnings in 1971 with a single Chetak helicopter, to operating today, a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft as diverse as amphibious helicopters and modern fixed wing surveillance aircraft.
INAS 311, commanded by Commander Sanjay Nandan operates Dornier Aircraft. Manufactured under license at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Kanpur, the Dornier is a multi role aircraft, equipped with state-of-the art sensors.
Apart from operations in support of the fleet and the special forces, some of the tasks performed by this versatile aircraft are coastal surveillance, search, rescue, casualty evacuation and training of the IN sky diving team.
Commander FH Aga is at the helm of INAS 350, which is home to the UH 3H helicopters. These are all-weather, night capable medium lift helicopters would operate primarily from the Landing Platform Dock, INS Jalashwa, in support of amphibious and Special Forces Operations.
In addition, the helicopters will also be tasked with search and rescue as well as transportation of men and material at sea over longer ranges.