INS Venduruthy celebrates 70th anniversary
The seventieth anniversary celebrations of INS Venduruthy, the flag ship of the Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command, was held at Naval Base on Friday.
Fisheries Minister K Babu, who was present at the function, said the state government was vigorously pursuing a major role for the Navy in the Vizhinjam Port project. He said extensive discussions were held by the Navy and the state government in this regard.
On the role played by INS Venduruthy in maintaining a link between the Navy and the civil administration, the Minister mentioned the efforts by the establishment in providing assistance to government agencies during natural disasters.
He appreciated the role played by the Navy in coordinating coastal security requirements in Kerala and the help accorded for putting in place a strong and reliable network where various agencies like the District administrations, the Marine Police, the Fisheries Department and the port authorities can discuss and go ahead together.
K Babu presented proficiency certificates and cash awards to the sailors and Defence Civilians of Venduruthy. Speaking on the occasion, the Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy, Commodore MR Ajay Kumar traced the origin of the Naval Base from August 31, 1939, when a small naval contingent was placed in Kochi under a Royal Indian Navy officer who assumed the duties of Naval Officer-in-Charge, Kochi.
The task of the contingent was to cater to the requirements of Local Naval Defence, running a Port Wireless Signal Station and an examination service. The present day INS Venduruthy was commissioned as HMIS Venduruthy in June 1943 and was renamed as INS Venduruthy after Independence. Since then Venduruthy has continued to grow, modify and beautify over the years.
The Commodore said that today, INS Venduruthy as the Flag Ship of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, has burgeoned into the largest establishment of the Indian Navy and provides logistics and administrative support to 73 units.
Within its four walls the Naval Base houses the Headquarters of Southern Naval Command, ships, air base, repair yards and, hospital.