Southern Naval Command celebrates Republic Day

Kochi, Jan 26 (UNI) Naval Base here wore a festive look and warships ''dressed overall'' as per maritime traditions as the Southern Naval Command celebrated Republic Day today.

Vice Admiral Sunil K Damle, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Kochi laid wreath at the War Memorial, followed by a ceremonial parade at the Naval Base.

He inspected a 50-man guard of honour and reviewed the parade comprising 30 platoons including six-armed platoons, two platoons of Defence Security Corps, one platoon of Sea Cadet Corps and the Naval Band. The Commander-in-chief took the salute at an impressive march past, lead by Cdr J Chahal.

The Commander-in-Chief presented the Aviation Rolling trophies for the year 2007. The Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 333 was adjudged the 'Best Naval Air Squadron'. INAS 551 received the 'Flight Safety' trophy and INS Ranvijay Flight got the 'Best Shipborne Flight' trophy.

INS Dronacharya, the naval base at Fort Kochi, fired a 21-gun salute on the occasion. The parade was witnessed by a large number of naval personnel and their families. RAdm Sunil Lanba, Chief of Staff, received the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief at the parade ground.

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