VISAKHAPATNAM: The might of the Indian Navy along with other world navies was on full display at the International Fleet Review 2016 (IFR-16), reviewed by President and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces Pranab Mukherjee in the Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
Pranab said that the IFR had showcased the prowess of the Indian Navy. Sailing in INS Sumitra, the Presidential Yacht, Pranab Mukherjee reviewed the anchored columns of 71 frontline ships and submarines from the Indian Navy and also those from foreign navies. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence minister Manohar Parrikar, along with the chiefs of tri-services of India. Chief Justice TS Thakur, Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and others were present.
Dressed in their ceremonial best, the ships decked up in full regalia manned by smartly dressed navy men and officers doffed their caps and saluted the President. Following it, a mobile column of the naval ships streamed past the Presidential Yacht. It was an awe inspiring sight and a moment of pride for the Indian Navy, as many of its indigenously built naval ships and submarines were present.
INS Vikramaditya, the premier aircraft carrier and flagship of the Indian Navy, along with the soon-to-be decommissioned INS Viraat, warships of Godavari Class, Shivalik Class, Kamorta Class, Delhi Class and Kolkata Class, and Sindhughosh Class of submarines showcased the naval might of the country, filling every Indian witnessing them with a sense of pride.
Dazzling flypast by the naval air-arm was a breathtaking display and the aircraft that flew past the Presidential Yacht included Chetak and Seaking 42 Bravo helicopters, MiG 29K, Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft-P8I and Sea Harriers among others. Display of search and rescue missions by the Chetaks and ALH Dhruv received huge applause from people besides the dramatic entry of the Indian Navy’s elite force - MARCOS (Marine Commandos) who zoomed past the Presidential Column.
Speaking after reviewing the fleet, Pranab Mukherjee said around 50 friendly Navies sailed across oceans and sent Naval ships and delegations to participate in the first IFR on the east coast of India. “Navies world over have conducted fleet reviews to symbolise their loyalty, allegiance to the nation and strengthening bonds between the sailors and the state. The IFR 2016 does that and much more,” the President said.