IFR concludes, ships to sail out from Vizag for Passage Exercise today

With the aim of increasing interoperability among participating foreign navies and providing the requisite operational element to the International Fleet Review, 2016, ships will sail out from Visakhapatnam in two groups of 27 ships each for a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) today.

The IFR formally culminated through a Joint International Band Concert at the Naval Officers' Institute.

Naval Bands from participating Navies along with host Indian Navy jointly presented a bouquet of music in front of Naval Chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan, the chief guest for the event.

The Joint Band Concert, by numerous musicians from the navies across the globe was in perfect harmony, echoed the very theme of 'Bridges through Ocean' cementing the friendship through music during the IFR.

The musical extravaganza was witnessed by over thousand spectators including many foreign dignitaries from participating Navies.

After a spectacular series of events associated with the International Fleet Review, it is time to bid adieu to all the warships from foreign nations.

By tradition, visiting foreign ships are escorted to the open seas on their way home.