Navy displays amphibious war capability

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Jun 24 (UNI) The Eastern Naval Command displayed its air power and amphibious war capability off the Kakinada coast during the one-hour-long amphibian warfare exercise today.

Three helicopters, three warships, two landing craft and two mechanised landing craft were displayed and over 200 marine commandos and infantry troops took part in the exercise.

It also displayed their capability in relief and rescue operations, with marine commandos dropping themselves on a boat from a helicopter and from there proceeding to shore for carrying out beach assault on enemy installations.

The amphibian assault, carried out by marine commandos under the cover of smoke bombs using grenades, machine guns and the cross fire, gave the audience the real picture of a warfield.

The troops of ninth infantry regiment displayed their amphibian warfare skills, by landing on the shore on two landing craft along with jeeps and other equipment.

At the end of the exercises, three naval helicopters -- Chetak, Kamoe and Seaking -- flied past along the coast in front of the dais, in honour of Chief Guest and Union Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju. Vice Admiral and Chief of Eastern Naval Command Sunil Verma and Fleet Commander Commodore Satish Soni also attended the event.

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