As many as 416 trainees, including 31 women, from the four squadrons of the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala here underwent a gruelling schedule of four-day camps that included land and river navigation in full battle gear across the varying terrains of the area.
The camps titled ‘Rookie', ‘Samundaramanthan' and ‘Varuna' were conducted for autumn term 2010 at the academy from October 18 to 21.
The exercises involved crossing water obstacles, weapon handling, obstacle course and jungle survival. The camps were aimed at developing the spirit of pride, care and support for each other shared by the trainees, including qualities of leadership and team spirit in them, a press release of the INA here said.
The camp Varuna, being a sailing camp, focussed on developing the rowing and sailing skills of the trainees and in imbibing in them a spirit of adventure and a passion for water sports.
During the camp, the trainees sailed in the open seas off Madakkara for four days in 27 ft whaler boats which were propelled by sails, the release said.
The skills of the trainees, including sailing and boat pulling, that formed an integral part of the training at the INA were the highlights of the event, it said.
Vice-Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal, Commandant of the INA, presented trophies and individual prizes to winners of various competitions that were held during these camps.
In his address to the cadets, he stressed the importance of events which worked toward developing qualities of team building, camaraderie and resilience among the trainees.
