VISAKHAPATNAM: President Pranab Mukherjee will review the naval fleet of nearly 100 ships and submarines including 24 foreign ships off the Visakhapatnam coast here on Saturday, as part of the ongoing International Fleet Review-2016 (IFR-16). The President will be accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Manohar Parrikar and other dignitaries.
It may be noted that this is the eleventh Fleet Review post India’s independence and the second one being conducted in India. The first IFR was conducted off Mumbai coast in 2001. A Fleet Review is a ceremonial and stately inspection of Naval warships by the President of a country. As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Pranab Mukherjee will receive a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the Naval Dockyard on Saturday morning. He will embark on the Presidential Yacht INS Sumitra which would sail through 70 ships at anchorage off Visakhapatnam. The yacht will lead the Presidential Column and will be distinguished by the Ashoka emblem on her side and flying of the President’s Standard on the Mast. The frontline navies of India and the visiting foreign nations along with the ships from the Indian Coast Guard and Mercantile Marine, will participate in the fleet review. All ships will be dressed in full to salute the President as his Yacht passes. Each ship will be manned by her company, dressed in white ceremonial uniform. The President will also review the air arm of the Indian Navy in a display of fly-past by 45 aircraft including helicopters comprising 15 formations.
In the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines will steam past the Presidential Yacht. This display will also showcase the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy. Further, the Marine Commandos will display enthralling waterfront activities, followed by helicopter demonstrations.