Andaman's unified command demonstrates amphibious supremacy

Port Blair, Nov 05 (UNI) The first tri-service unified command of the country, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), today unleashed full prowess joint operation at an impressive amphibious demonstration here.

Jawans and officers of three Rajputana Rifles, Marine Commandoes (MARCOS), MI8 helicopters of the Air Force and L-37, L-38 and L-33 helicopters of the Navy participated in the joint operation.

''The demonstration, witnessed by NCC Cadets and general public, was actually staged for the visiting delegation of officers, undergoing the prestigious National Defence Course (NDC) at the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi,'' Commander Avinabh Barve, the Public Relations Officer of Andaman and Nicobar Command, told UNI.

The NDC team, visiting these islands as part of the Forward Area Tour, comprised officers from the Armed Forces, civil servants and other countries.

The demonstration displayed the full range of operational preparedness of the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and showcased the preparedness of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) to combat any threats in and around the islands, whether sea-borne or territorial, and underlined the potency and effectiveness of true joint operation.

The operation started with Helo casting i.e. dropping of Gemini and Marine Commandoes from MI8 Helicopter into the sea, standoff beaching, assault by Gemini boats, Hard Beaching and Assault by Troops.

''The demonstration of amphibious capabilities of Andaman Nicobar Command was excellent and as many among us would be in the policy making for India, in future, this demonstration will have a far greater impact,'' Air Vice-Marshal Shanker Mani, who is leading the NDC team, told UNI after watching the amphibious operation.

ANC is charged with the responsibilities of defence of Andaman and Nicobar territories, its air space and water. Raised as the country's first integrated command, the ANC also has a unique responsibility in consonance with India's Look East Policy of reaching out to the defence forces of India's maritime neighbours and building bridges of friendship and in addition rendering humanitarian assistance to maritime neighbours during natural disasters.

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