Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

Naval display enthrals citizens

- PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

Naval might: A sailor performs the ‘slitheropes’ feat from a Chetak chopper in the Krishna as part of naval exercises conducted by the Eastern Naval Command in Vijayawada on Friday.

VIJAYAWADA: It was a rare opportunity for people of Vijayawada to watch some dare-devil and hair-raising feats performed by the naval officers and sailors of Eastern Naval Command on the placid waters of the Krishna upstream of Prakasam Barrage on Friday.

In a display that lasted for more than one-and-half hour, the officers and sailors demonstrated such events as helobatics (a combination of helicopter and acrobatics) and skiing.

The show began and concluded strictly as per the minute-to-minute schedule given by the naval staff, signifying the discipline the armed forces are known for. The demonstration began with the entry of enterprise class boats that are manoeuvred purely by wind.

The audience were awestruck watching Lieutenant Commander M. Karthikeyan, who was holding the ski with single hand, surfing on the water at a speed of 80 kmph. The audience could not resist clapping during the display of ‘slitheropes’ (slithering down a rope from a chopper), which followed destruction of a dummy oil rig.

With Chetak helicopters, a team of officers led by Commander T. Valunjkar demonstrated ‘search and rescue’ operations, while Rubber Inflated Boats (RIB) and water scooter demonstration were some of the other feats performed by the naval personnel.

A naval band led by Chief Petty Officer J. P. Damani captivated the audience by playing some film songs. The band team is stated to be second biggest one in the Indian Navy.

However, the disappointing part was the microlite demonstration not taking place due to a technical snag. The operational area of the exercises stretched from Haritha Berm Park to Prakasam Barrage to the Bhavani Island.

Municipal Administration Minister Koneru Ranga Rao, Rear Navy officers Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal and Commodore K.N. Mohan Das, Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, Mayor Mallika Begum, Collector Navin Mittal, Joint Collector S. Suresh Kumar, City Police Commissioner C.V. Anand, Sub-Collector Gaurav Uppal and others were present.

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