Visakhapatnam: The Eastern Naval Command is inducting three more immediate support vessels. They will be deployed along the east coast. The ENC inducted three ISVs into its 83rd ISV squadron based at Vizag in June 2014.
“The ISVs will be inducted in the next 10 days,” ENC, Commander-in-Chief vice admiral Satish Soni said. ISVs are armed with machine guns and also carry modern navigational and communication equipment.
A INS Kamorta class anti-submarine ship will also be commissioned next year. The ENC also has plans to expand its ammunition depot at INS Kalinga in Vizag. He said that 2,000 acres will be acquired to set up another airfield at Bobbili where a squadron of MiG 29K aircraft will be stationed. He added that a classified centre for electronic communication will come up on 100 acres in Vizag.
The ENC which is recovering after the devastating cyclone Hudhud last October will be updating its Blue Book on disaster management. The Indian Navy had set up a Board to revise the Blue Book. The naval base will be on track by August. Indian Navy which has its presence in Vizag since the 1930s hopes that stress will be placed on security aspects while preparing plans for ‘Smart City’.
“Hudhud was definitely a setback. But we are very fortunate that there was no damage to any of our vital assets. It was a big challenge to clear the 50,000 fallen trees. The ENC had sanctioned Rs 200 crore to take up works. We have learnt a lot from the cyclone. A Board has been appointed to update the Blue Book on disasters. ENC will be on track by August,” ENC commander-in-chief, vice admiral Satish Soni said. On smart city plans the ENC chief said that importance should be given to security and vital assets.
