Indian Navy to get added punch in Naval Aviation

Kochi, Sep 23 (UNI) Indian Naval Aviation will add punch in the coming decade with new acquisitions of maritime reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters and sensor upgrades, Rear Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Southern Naval Command said today.

Addressing the ceremonial passing out parade of the 68th Observer Course here, he said the Indian Navy was a very formidable force in the Indian Ocean region.

Lauding the role played by 'Observers,' he said they were the eyes and ears of the fleet at sea and play an important role in support of naval operations.

Eight officers of the 68th Observer Course comprising seven Naval officers and one from the Coast Guard were awarded 'Wings' by Rear Admiral Lanba.

Captain Vijesh Kumar Garg, Commanding Officer, INS Garuda, was the conducting officer of the ceremonial passing out parade.

During the 46-week course, the officers were trained in tactics, air and anti-submarine warfare and the exploitation of ESM systems in addition to the basic training in Air Navigation and flying procedures.

These officers would now function as 'The Airborne Tacticians' onboard maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the Indian Navy.

The officers were trained at the Observer School, Kochi, commanded by Commander P S Virdi.

Lieutenant G Anoop was awarded the Uttar Pradesh Trophy for the Best All Round Trainee and Lieutenant Gaurav Kunal was awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Trophy for standing first in Flying training.

Lieutenant P Arjun Rao was awarded the Sub-Lieutenant R V Kunte Memorial Book Prize for standing first in Ground subjects.

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