Indian Coast Guard ship 'Varuna decommissioned after 30 years of service

Indian Coast Guard ship 'Varuna,' with an illustrious service spanning about 30 years was decommissioned with full armed forces honours on Wednesday in a traditional military ceremony held at the naval base here.

The ceremony was presided over by Inspector General K R Nautiyal, Commander, Coast Guard region (West).

Speaking at the function, Nautiyal highlighted the contributions made by the vessel in training future officers of Coast Guard and Indian Navy and commended the crew for the yeoman service they had put in.

As is the tradition when a ship is decommissioned, the 'Decommissioning Pennant' which is equal to the length of the ship, was lowered.

The Commanding Officer of the ship DIG Rajesh Mittal commanded the ceremonial parade and made final decommissioning report to the Commander Coast Guard Region (West).

ICGS Varuna was fourth of its series, known as Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and built by Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai.

The ship had numerous operational achievements to its credit including record number of apprehension of smugglers with gold worth crores during late 80s, a Navy release said here.

PTI