Naval Observers complete training

Rear Admiral Ashok Kumar, Flag Officer Sea Training, reviewed the parade and awarded the 'Wings' to the officers, who passed out after completing the 46-week course.

The officers were trained in tactics employed in air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and the exploitation of ESM systems in addition to the basic training in air navigation and flying procedures.

They would function as 'The Airborne Tacticians' onboard maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the Navy, a Defence press release said.

Among those graduating, Lt Lalit Yadav was awarded Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command trophy for being adjudged best in flying and Uttar Pradesh trophy on being adjudged first in the overall order of merit.

A/C Kamal Adhikari was awarded Sub Lt RV Kunte Memorial Book Prize on being adjudged best in ground subjects.

Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Kumar emphasised that Naval aviation was a prized asset of the forces, for no battle could be won without the vital inputs of the Naval Air Arm.

In order to exact the very best from the state-of-the-art inventories, the budding aviators should strive towards a high level of professional competence, he said.

Captain H S Sapre, Commanding Officer INS Garuda was the conducting officer. The passing out officers were trained at Observer School, commanded by Commander Vijayant Singh, the release said.