Naval operations keep crowd enthralled

The Kochi backwaters was today witness to a scintillating display of the entire spectrum of Naval operations at sea with thousands of residents watching from its shores in the presence of State Governor Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam.
The demonstration commenced with marine commandos delivering the programme schedule to the Governor.
A flypast by 15 aircraft (helicopters and fixed wing) of the Navy including the latest P8-I and the fighter trainer aircraft 'Hawks' set the tempo for rest of the activities which lasted about two hours.
It included demonstration of landing of a Seeking helicopter on a moving warship, firing of weapons, special operations by the marine commandos from air and water, simulation of VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure) operations.

Helobatics by the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and warship formation led by INS Kochi, one of the largest indigenously built warship of Indian Navy named after the city, followed by warships Sharda, Kabra, Kalpeni and Teg provided the spectators with ample view of the operational prowess of the Indian Navy.
A continuity drill performed by two contingents from INS Dronachrya stood out for its stunning and precise discipline and skills in weapon handling, a release said.

The demonstration concluded with the ceremonial sunset ceremony followed by the lowering of the National Flag and Naval Ensign after which all the warships sailed past the gathering with their silhouette illuminated.

The course curriculum covers a wide canvas for the
participants and includes subjects like Theory of International Relations, Strategy and Policy, National Security, Operations of War, Higher Defence Management, Joint Operations, Military Applications of Technology, Logistics Management, Energy Security, Research Methodology, War-Gaming, Regional Strategic Relations and International Political Economy.
As a part of the programme, experts from India and overseas in the fields listed above interact with the participants. The students also travel across the country and visit military establishments, forward locations including border areas, think tanks and research institutions, defence production agencies, space and nuclear facilities amongst others.
They also travel overseas to get a better understanding of regional issues, the spokesman said.