Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Vizag beach buzzes with activity

VISAKHAPATNAM: The sea front was transformed into a wonderful sight to behold with ships, fast attack crafts (FAC) and aircraft displaying the skills and the might of the Indian Navy as the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) showcased its operational capability and prowess here on Thursday on the occasion of Navy Day.

Governor N.D. Tiwari was the chief guest on the occasion. Vice Admiral Nirmal Verma, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, all Flag Officers of the Navy including, Vice Admiral R.K. Dhowan, Chief of Staff, and Rear Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, a large number of officers, sailors and Defence civilian employees of the Navy were present on the occasion. The spectacular event was witnessed by thousands of spectators who thronged the beach. The arrival of the chief guest at the venue was greeted by an enthusiastic burst of 81 mm rockets and water plume charges by Marine Commandos. This was followed by a brilliant performance by the skydivers, who jumped down from a Dornier aircraft. After the breathtaking feats of the daredevils, the chief guest released the first edition of Eastern Naval Command’s magazine ‘Eastern Light’ that covers various activities of the Command over the years.

The display of naval and air power continued with the demonstration of helicopters landing and taking off from a moving column of warships in close formation, which was closely followed by high-speed runs by Missile Corvettes simulating missile engagement of the enemy by firing flares. What followed next was a scintillating aerial show by ‘Sarang’ – the helicopter display team of the Indian Air Force.

“Beating Retreat” to the accompaniment of the ENC band and “close range anti-aircraft firing” and illumination of ships at anchorage was done by sunset.

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