Indian Naval Ship Malpe decommissioned

Kochi, Dec 5 (UNI) Indian Naval Ship Malpe was decommissioned today at the Naval Base here.

At sunset, the colour guard presented arms while the National flag and the Naval ensign were hauled down. With the sounding of the 'Last post', the paying off pennant was also brought down, bringing to an end INS Malpe's 22 years of naval service.

Cdr Varun Singh, the last Commanding officer of INS Malpe, delivered the pre-decommissioning speech. The officers and sailors who had served on board the ship were present at the ceremony to bid farewell.

Vice-Admiral Jagjit Sing Bedi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, who was also present, earlier received Cdr Varun Singh and inspected a Guard of honour.

INS Malpe was commissioned on May 10, 1984 and was primarily used for inshore mine sweeping, harbour defence and coastal patrolling.

This is the fifth of the inshore minesweepers to be decommissioned.

UNI XR AA MSJ RS2023