In a display of cooperation between navies that are neither allies nor foes, scores of warships steamed ahead in perfect coordination at the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) on the high seas off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.
The entire fleet that participated in the just-concluded International Fleet Review 2016 was split into two groups for the PASSEX.
One group was led by aircraft career INS Virat with Flag Officer Commanding of Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral Bhokare in command. The second group was led by INS Vikramaditya with Flag Officer Commanding of Western Fleet Rear Admiral Ranveet Singh embarking on board the aircraft career. The warships of over 10 navies steamed ahead in formation behind INS Virat. The level of coordination reflected the spirit of cooperation between the navies in true spirit of the IFR theme -- United through oceans. Even as the ships were steaming ahead Seaking helicopters flew in formation over the columns. Sea Harriers from INS Virat flew over the columns.
After zooming over for a few rounds they landed on the aircraft carrier. A Chetak helicopter photographed the formation. After the Passage in Exercise for two hours the Indian ships formed into a single column and bid adieu to the visiting foreign ships as they steamed by on way home.
