Eleven naval pilots were awarded “Wings” at a passing out parade at the Helicopter Conversion Course (pilot) at Naval Station Rajali, Arakkonam, on Friday.
Rear Admiral Mukul Asthana, Director-General of Project Varsha, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), reviewed the passing out parade and awarded the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy to Lieutenant Commander Rahul Verma for being adjudged the Best All Round Trainee Pilot. He presented the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy to Lieutenant Subham Sahlot for standing first in order of merit.
A book prize was awarded to Lieutenant Commander Nikhil Chugh for standing first in ground subjects, according to a press release.
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The pilots underwent rigorous training for 21 weeks in flying and aviation subjects at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, Helicopter Training School (HTS). Till date, 682 pilots have graduated from HTS for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.