A gruelling three-day pentathlon for submariners, officers, and sailors of the Basic Submarine Course, conducted by INS Satavahana here, concluded on Friday. The competition saw 31 officers and 129 sailors participate.
The contest began with a night navigation and route march in full battle gear to Kanak Durga temple at Sunken Jetty near Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
Activities during the pentathlon included a 7-km ‘Josh Run’ up the Dolphin hill, 1-km swimming, 5-km cycling, and an obstacle race.
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The pentathlon competition was one of the first ever conducted as part of the adventure activities periodically undertaken by the Submarine Training School to foster esprit de corps, camaraderie, and contribute to the overall development of the Submarine Arm.
Among the other competitions conducted were reaction exercise and tent-pitching. In addition, the trainees were grilled in safety and security drills and standard operating procedures, including fire safety and prevention, and weapon safety.
This opportunity was also utilised to increase the awareness of the trainees about environmental and ecological conservation by converting a designated area into a mini ecological habitat during the event.
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Commanding Officer INS Satavahana Commodore Ayyagari Srinivas was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony that was attended by the officers and sailors of INS Satavahana.
He addressed the young submarine trainees and exhorted them to pursue the virtues of being physically fit, mentally alert, and professionally competent. He also gave away prizes to the champion team.