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A show of Naval might

The sea front has turned into a wonderful sight to behold as the naval ships and aircraft gear up for the ninth President's Fleet Review to be held Visakhapatnam on February 12

IMPRESSIVE FEATS (Top left) A spectacular display of might by marine forces Photos: K. R. Deepak

Vizag's skies have donned the colours of joy and the azure sea is presents a spectacular view as the naval ships and aircraft gear up for the ninth President's Fleet Review (PFR) to be held here on February 12. During the past few days, Vizagites were treated to some extraordinary feats performed by the Indian Navy during the rehearsals conducted along the Ramakrishna Beach. The sea front was a sight to behold as ships, fast attack craft (FAC) and aircraft displayed the skill of the uniformed folk and the might of the Indian Navy.

The PFR here is different from the eight such exercises held so far in two aspects. This is a historic occasion for the Indian Navy and Eastern Naval Command in particular as the Fleet Review by the President is being held for the first time in the Eastern Coast. About 65 Naval ships and submarines and 50 aircraft will be participating in the review. The second feature is that the Operational Prowess Demonstration (OPD) to showcase the fighting punch of the Indian Navy, is being conducted as part of the programme for the first time.

A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition followed by all major navies in the world. It is an occasion when every operational ship is spruced up, displaying its crest and ship's company in a spirit of loyalty and allegiance to its sovereign and the State.

Rehearsals

The depth and 5-km length of the beach has ensured that the exercise is done just one-and-a-half km from the shore giving a rare glimpse of India's fighting punch to the lakhs who are likely to assemble there. These conditions did not exist in Mumbai where the previous PFRs were held. During the dress rehearsals, the enthusiastic crowd milled around trying to take a glimpse of the spectacular demonstrations presented by the naval commandos.

Watch out for the awesome team of Sagar Pawan aircraft, the crossovers, the nosedives, the reverse moves and different forms of tandem formation flying. Even the winds pause to gawk as aircraft after aircraft zips through the skies. It can be a thrilling experience to watch the team perform, during certain manoeuvres that seems as if they will crash into each other! The skydiving team performed some breathtaking feats as its members stepped into nothingness from a height of 8000 feet. The slightest movements of body could alter direction, speed, and position but the group of adventurers manoeuvred their path through the open sky and had a fine landing at the beach where the onlookers stood amazed to watch the fantastic sight.

NIVEDITA GANGULY

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