Passing out parade of 64th Observer course held

Kochi, Sept 22 (UNI) Five Naval officers of the 64th observer course were awarded 'wings' by Rear Admiral M P Muralidharan, Flag officer Sea Training (FOST), at an impressive ceremonial passing out parade here today.

Addressing a gathering RAdm Muralidharan said the training at the Observers School, equipped the trainees with the basics to man a modern and multi-mission aircraft and making them an important cog in the multi-crew environment.

The officers were trained in anti-submarine warfare, exploitation of electronic systems in addition to basic training in Air Navigation and flying procedures at the Observer School here headed by Commander P S Virdi.

''The Navy today is in the process of expansion and modernisation, with induction of various types of new platforms with potent weapons and sensors. The onus of utilization and exploitation of these sensors and integrating them with the platforms at sea lie with you,'' said the Admiral.

Lieutenant V Kasiraman was awarded the 'Sub Lieutenant R V Kunte Memorial Book Prize' for standing first in ground subjects and the 'Uttar Pradesh Trophy' as the best 'All Round Trainee', while Lieutenant A K Singh was awarded the 'Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command' rolling trophy for excellence in flying training.

The officers would now function as the Airborn Tacticians on board maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the Navy.

UNI MA1714