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Navy showcases its might

Staff Reporter

Demonstrations from INS Jalaswa

— Photo: PTI

Impressive display: A mock rescue operation involving the Navy helicopter Chetak was among the demonstrations watched by the public on the Bay of Bengal near the Paradeep coast in Orissa on Sunday.

BHUBANESWAR: The Navy on Sunday sought to reassure the general public that the coastal security was in safe hands with its warriors keeping an eagle eye on any intrusion by the sea.

The Navy exhibited its prowess at sea about 40 nautical miles south off the Paradeep coast and showed as to why people should repose their faith in its manoeuvre and weaponry capabilities.

For people who witnessed the demonstrations from INS Jalaswa, an amphibious warship of the Navy, it was nothing but scenes straight from a Hollywood blockbuster.

INS Jalaswa, which is manned by 27 officers, 380 sailors, 1,000 combat ready troop personnel, consists of armament such as Phalanx TIWS, 20 mm gun and 0.50 calibre machine guns and can house up to 110 vehicles.

An array of naval operations were displayed which included search and rescue demonstrations, underway replenishment, close range anti-aircraft firing exercise and fly past by naval aircraft and helicopter.

As part of the Navy Week celebrations, seven ships of the Eastern Fleet, under the leadership of Rear Admiral P. Murugesan, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, visited Paradeep on Saturday. It was followed by the ‘day at sea’ on Sunday.

The ships that visited the port included the landing platform dock INS Jalaswa, guided missile destroyer INS Ranjit and five missile corvettes INS Kora, INS Kulish, INS Kuthar, INS Khanjar and INS Kirpan. The ships were open for visitors. Navy sources said it got an overwhelming response and hosted about 7,000 visitors, including schoolchildren. Speaking to media persons on INS Jalaswa, Rear Admiral Murugesan said that besides defending the country from the threat of enemy, the Navy protects commerce and trade with 90 per cent of exports taking place through the sea.

He said the Navy had taken upon the responsibility of coastal security and would never compromise on its role. Last week, the fleet went near the Kolkata coast. It would now proceed to Chennai.

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