Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has exuded confidence that Visakhapatnam would assume greater significance for the Indian Navy in the wake of successful conduct of the International Fleet Review (IFR) - 2016 by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
He said the State government would extend all possible cooperation to facilitate the navy’s engagement with the citizenry of not only the port city but also Vijayawada.
Addressing the public that gathered in huge numbers to witness the Naval Operations Demonstration organised by the ENC and A.P. Tourism Development Corporation Limited (APTDC) at Punnami Ghat on the banks of the Krishna here on Saturday, Mr. Naidu said that it was a historic occasion for the people of Vijayawada as they chanced upon the rare display of combat and peacetime operations by the ENC in the hinterland (outside its headquarters).
Event objective
He said his intention behind getting the ENC to show its prowess in Vijayawada was to basically instil a sense of patriotism and encourage youngsters to opt for a career in the navy, which was challenging and gratifying too.
Mr. Naidu said events like the navy show would give Vijayawada and the emerging capital city, Amaravati, a branding of their own in tune with his vision to transform them into cities of global repute.
He said due priority was given to upgrading the infrastructure in Amaravati.
Infra projects
A couple of iconic bridges across the Krishna are among the slew of infrastructure projects that would give the capital city the much-needed connectivity that matches international standards.
ENC Flag Officer-Commanding-in–Chief Vice-Admiral H.C.S. Bisht hoped that the ENC would organise the operational demonstration at Vijayawada every year and said the ENC would conduct other activities with the A.P. government as per the Chief Minister’s request.
The IFR–2016, in which the navies of 54 countries took part, was a proud moment for the ENC and the navy was in favour of greater interaction with the general public, the Vice Admiral said.
Earlier, the navy personnel gave a brilliant display of a flypast by Chetak and Sea King helicopters, combat formations by Hawk trainer aircraft, slithering by the Marcos (marine commandos), blasting of an oil rig, flyboarding with water jet packs, feats involving water scooters and parasailing.
Mr. Chandrababu Naidu inspected a parade of sails along with Vice-Admiral Bisht and senior ENC officers.
