Admiral Dhowan pledges rededication to nation on Navy Day

On the occasion of the 43rd Navy Day, Chief of Naval staff Admiral Robin K Dhowan on Thursday said that the personnel of the Navy would rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.

"On the occasion of Navy Day 2014, the personnel of the Navy rededicate themselves to the service of the nation. Indian Navy is a multi-dimensional combat force, we shoulder the responsibility to safeguard maritime interests of nation," said Admiral Dhowan.

The Navy chief, along with Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Army Chief Lt. General Dalbir Singh Suhag also paid tributes to martyrs of INS Sindhurakshak at the Amar Jawan Jyoti here.

He also assured that all aspects were being analyzed as to why the accident took place.

Admiral Dhowan had earlier on Wednesday stated that the operational tempo of the Indian Navy was at an all-time high.

"We are fully prepared for Blue Water tasks; carrying out and improving of coastal security and conducting regular naval exercises with the Indian Coast Guard off nine coastal states and union territories," the Navy chief said.

He informed that after the 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai in 2008, the Indian Navy had established 46 coastal radar stations and 47 automatic identification centers to ward off the potential for another terror attack.

Meanwhile in Visakhapatnam, a series of operational displays would be held today to celebrate Navy Day, commemorating the Indian Navy's successful operation on Karachi Harbour during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.