‘Safeguard ideals of our forefathers’

Reminding everyone that the long road to attaining Independence, and then becoming a Republic, was paved with the sweat and blood of many brave men and women, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Satish Soni exhorted everyone to acknowledge their efforts and selfless sacrifices.

It is our responsibility, both as citizens of this great country and as fighting sailors of the Navy to safeguard the ideals that our forefathers died for he said at the Republic Day celebrations at the ENC Parade Ground. The Commander-in-Chief praised all personnel of the ENC for meeting all challenges and adversities with a smile.

He said that nothing had demonstrated their resolve and potential better than their response in the aftermath of Cyclone Hudhud where, despite being affected so severely themselves, they had contributed immensely to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the city of Visakhapatnam and beyond.

It was a matter of great pride that the Eastern Naval Command had been chosen to conduct the International Fleet Review (IFR) in February 2016 at Visakhapatnam. Such a review was being held for only the second time since Independence.

The event provided a unique opportunity to showcase not just the Navy, but also the Command and the city, Vice Admiral Soni said.

A ceremonial parade was held at the ENC parade ground where Vice Admiral Satish Soni took the salute. He later inspected a 50 men Armed Guard and reviewed the parade comprising 24 platoons including six armed platoons of Naval personnel drawn from all ships and establishments of the Eastern Naval Command.

The parade was commanded by Commander Rajneesh Sharma.

The parade was attended by all Flag Officers, Commanding Officers of ships and establishments at Visakhapatnam, and a large number of service and civilian personnel along with their families.

It is a matter of great pride that the ENC has been chosen to conduct the International Fleet Review in February 2016 in Visakhapatnam.

Vice Admiral Satish Soni

Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ENC