Naval chief presents gallantry awards to Naval personnel

Mumbai, May 1 (UNI) Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta today presented six gallantry and 32-non gallantry awards to Naval personnel at an impressive parade held at the Naval Air Station here today.

Addressing the Naval personnel, Admiral Mehta said that the Indian Navy has an important role to play during both, peace and war.

''The Navy has therefore, laid down long-term maritime policy , and accordingly 34 ships are under construction in different shipyards of the country while another 40 ships would be inducted in the Navy in the next 10-15 years. Similarly, aircraft like MIG-29K are being procured for new aircraft carrier Vikramaditya,'' the Admiral said.

The Naval Chief also said that he was very confident that the Navy is fully prepared in all three dimensions of its operations to meet any challenge at sea.

''Terrorism has no specific boundaries and this is a serious cause of concern. The activities along the West Coast need careful surveillance at all times,'' Admiral Mehta added.

The Admiral presented six 'Nao Sena medals'(gallantry), one 'Yuddha seva medal' and twelve 'Nao Sena Medals' for devotion to duty including 20 'Vishisth Seva Medals'.

He also presented Unit Citation to headquarters 31 WEU, Submarine Shakul and Clearance Diving team, Vishakhapatnam on this occasion.

Captain Ramakant Patnaik, then Commanding Officer INS Mumbai received 'Yuddh Seva Medal' for undertaking successful evacuation of more than 3500 civilians personnel during the recent Israel-Lebanon conflict.

Similarly, Clearance Diver, Ram Meher, Petty Officer Amarjeet and Randheer Kumar, Petty officer members of the Indian Navy's Marine Commando team received 'Nao Sena Medal' (Gallantry) for their contribution in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

UNI