Kochi, Dec 3:
Indian Navy’s robust maritime security mechanism is fully equipped and always prepared to deal with any eventuality at sea, Vice Admiral M.A. Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, has said.
He said this while addressing a media conference onboard First Training Squadron ship, INS Tir, here in connection with the Navy Day celebration on December 4.
The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day every year to commemorate the devastating attack on Karachi Harbour on the night of December 4, 1971 during the Indo Pak war.
Missile boats of the Indian Navy supported by other Naval ships undertook this daring attack and destroyed a number of Pakistan Navy ships and decimated the fuel reserves and ammunition stocks stored in Karachi harbour.
He also highlighted the extensive deployment of ships and aircraft of Southern Naval Command for a variety of operational missions across the Indian Ocean Region engaging in professional interactions, training exchanges, maritime partnership exercises, community interaction programme, building bridges of friendship with the foreign Navies.
He also spoke about the Navy’s crucial role as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in capacity building and capability enhancement of friendly maritime nations by training their personnel, providing them equipment and rendering a helping hand in times of need in line with the PM’s vision of SAGAR.
The CINC provided an overview of multi-faceted training activities and initiatives undertaken by SNC as the Training Command, he added.
Saying that around 20,000 foreign personnel from over 47 foreign countries have been trained over the years, he said in 2022-23, international trainees from 39 countries have undergone training at 26 Naval training schools, thereby emerging as the preferred training destination for Friendly Foreign Countries.
He underscored the significant milestones achieved by indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant post commissioning, SNC’s contribution towards multiple SAR efforts and assistance during contingencies to the civil administration.
