Independence Day celebration at EN

Visakhapatnam, Aug 15 (UNI) Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command, today took the salute in the Independence Day ceremonial parade held at the ENC parade grounds here.

On the occasion, he presented cash awards to 23 naval personnel and defence civilian employees in the ENC in recognition of their professional creativity and innovations contributing to operational efficiency of naval units. Rolling trophies for flight safety were also presented to three air squadrons.

The parade was attended a large number of service and civilian personnel were present.

He recalled the various operational and other activities of the command. He congratulated the personnel on parade for their excellent turnout and drill and called upon all naval personnel to be more alert and safeguard the interests of the country.

Admiral Mehta inspected a 50-man armed guard and reviewed the platoons of naval personnel drawn from various ships and establishments in ENC, Visakhapatnam. Cash incentives and merit certificates were given away to 23 civilian defence staff.

He also paid tributes in the navy WQR war memorial in the RK Beach Road to martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland. Vice-Admiral A K Kalra, Project Director, Ship Building Centre, placed a floral wreath and paid tributes. A two minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs.

Three Indian naval ships, Ranvijay, Karmuk and Nirbhik anchored off the R K Beach and were illuminated for entire night.

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