Naval Chief reviews ceremonial parade

Kochi, Nov 23 (UNI) Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta today reviewed a ceremonial parade at the Southern Naval Command here.

In his address Adm Mehta said, 'Indian Navy is held in high esteem amongst the comity of nations. Whatever we have been doing or whatever we may do in this region is of significance to our neighbouring countries as well.'' Praising the efforts of the Southern Naval Command, he said it was carrying out the most important peace-time task of the Navy, that of 'training' the personnel and equipping them appropriately to run the ships, submarines and aircraft efficiently.

Reiterating the thrust for indigenisation in the Navy, he said innovation was equally important.

'' We have overcome various problems in spares and repairs to our assets with our innovative methods,'' he added.

He also stressed the need to be extra vigilant since the security environment all over was deteriorating and anti-social elements were devising new methods.

The Admiral, who is on a two-day visit, inspected a 50-man 'Nishan Guard' (Guard of Honour with the President's Colours) and the 36 platoons on parade, including 6 armed platoons (1032 men on parade), commanded by Cdr Ravi Shivshankar, while the Navy Band under B Sudarshanan, Master Chief 1st class, played the tunes of 'Anand Lok,' 'By Land and Sea', 'Rani ka Nishan' and 'Beneath the Waves'.

He placed a wreath at the War Memorial and was received by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief VAdm Jagjit Singh Bedi.

UNI MA ROY MQA VC1522