Visakhapatnam: Huge crowd witnesses Navy Day celebrations

VISAKHAPATNAM: On the occasion of Navy Day, Eastern Naval Command  conducted an operational display at RK Beach on Tuesday evening. More than a lakh visitors turned up to witness the multi-dimensional warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy in protecting the vast maritime borders and offshore assets of the country.

State deputy Chief Minister N. Chinarajappa was the chief guest on the occasion while Visakhapatnam MP K. Haribabu was the guest of honour. Several dignitaries from Central and state administration, officers, sailors and Defence civilians from the Indian Navy, a large crowd of civil populace witnessed the event.

The Navy’s power demonstration began with a burst of water on the chief guest by elite marine commandos, spectacular descent by skydivers, display of helicopters landing and taking off from the moving column of Naval ships Ranvir, Satpura, Khanjar and Kadmatt in a taut formation.

The event also showcased Indian Navy’s search and rescue capabilities which had played a vital role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, both at national and international levels. 

In a spellbinding display of covert operations, insertion of a team of marine Commandos in a slithering operation was undertaken from a mighty Sea King helicopter.

Along with beach assault and amphibious landing on the beach front by Naval vessels, the Commandos displayed a wide range of combat capabilities such as extraction by Sea King helicopter and clandestine sabotage operations by detonating explosive charges on a simulated oil rig.

A formation of various types of aircraft from the ENC, including IAF Su-30s took to the skies in a scintillating fly past, closely followed by a bomb burst manoeuvre by the hawk advanced jet trainers. 

‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony was performed by Naval Band. The event concluded with a silhouette illumination by the Eastern Fleet ships.