Antony commissions INS Deepak into Indian Navy

Mumbai, Jan 21 (PTI) INS Deepak, an Italian-builtfleet tanker, was today commissioned into the Navy by DefenceMinister A K Antony who said the year will see moreacquisitions and commissioning of vessels to strengthenmaritime security.

The tanker was commissioned at the Naval Dockyardhere.

"It is a great moment for Indian Navy and 2011 willsee more acquisitions and commissioning to strengthen themaritime security," Antony said.

He unveiled the ship''s name plaque, marking the formalinduction of INS Deepak into the Indian Navy.

The 175-metre long and 25-metre wide ship has acapacity to carry 15,450 tonnes of liquid cargo, 510 tonnes ofsolid cargo and 16 cargo containers on the upper deck.

The Western fleet tanker has state-of-the-art aviationfacilities and can operate various types of helicopters fromits deck. The ship has been built by Italian companyFincantieri.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by AdmiralNirmal Kumar Verma, Chief of Naval staff and Vice-AdmiralSanjeev Bhasin, the flag officer commanding in Chief ofWestern Naval Command and other dignitaries.