Eastern Naval Command (ENC) showcased its operational readiness and superiority at sea, on land and in the air, through the annual operational demonstration, organised as part of the Navy Day celebration, at Ramakrishna Beach here on Thursday.
Beginning at sharp 4 p.m., Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was greeted with a precision landing by the navy’s skydiving team. Jumping out from a Dornier DO 228 aircraft from over 12,500 feet above ground, eight skydivers from the Marine Commandos (Marcos) wing of the Indian Navy skilfully guided the parachutes to touch down the platform, erected near the main dais.
This was followed by a scintillating display of helicopter piloting by the Sarang helobatic team from the Indian Air Force. Flying just about 50 meters above the ground, the synchronised flying at close quarters made the spectators skip a few beats.
Announcing the demonstration of the fast-attack Veer Class missile corvettes INS Vibhuti and INS Veer, the commentator said that it was this class of crafts that wrecked havoc at the Karachi Harbour, during the Indo-Pak conflict on December 4, 1971, and this victory has been being celebrated as the Navy Day since then.
The eagerly awaited display of overt operations by the Marcos was received a lot of cheers from the spectators, including the family members of naval officers. Clad in black overalls and armed to the teeth, the commandos exhibited a rapid sabotage operation. A few were even seen carrying the latest Tavor 5.56 mm assault rifles, fitted with grenade launchers.
Displaying its superiority in air, a quick flypast by almost all the crafts under its fold was made. The list included helicopters such a Chetak, Kamov 28 and Seaking and fixed-winged aircrafts such as Dornier, the massive TU 142M, the latest Boeing P 8 Poseidon and the Hawk advanced jet trainers. The other attractions were the search and rescue operations by helicopters, fleet manoeuvres by Shivalik class destroyers and K-Class corvettes and amphibious beach assault.
On the finer side, for the first time a synchronised continuity drill was performed by the Navy personnel. The audience swayed to the beating retreat of naval band, as the ships illuminated in the background. The closing was complete with over 15 minutes of firework display.
