Navy chief asks force to ensure readiness levels

Naval chief Admiral R K Dhowan, who took over after a series of mishaps, has directed the force to monitor with "due earnestness" the readiness levels of Navy's frontline fighting units while stressing on ingenious repairs and responsive operational logistics.
Admiral Dhowan's direction to the Navy personnel came during the second edition of the three-day bi-annual Naval Commanders Conference that ended today.
During the conference, he emphasised that enhancement of combat capabilities of the fleet and efficacy of weapon systems along with readiness of other operational formations is of prime importance.
Focussed efforts are required at all levels to ensure sustained growth of the Navy and peak combat efficiency, he said.

"He stated that the readiness levels of Navy's frontline fighting units, which has been strengthened through institution of safety audits, needs to be monitored with due earnestness.
"He further stressed that the combat readiness of the Fleet must be supported by ingenious repairs and responsive operational logistics. Operational consolidation and effective management of new inductions are of highest priority," said a Navy statement.
This was the second such conference after Admiral Dhowan took over as the Chief of the Naval Staff on April 17, nearly two months after his predecessor D K Joshi quit in the wake of a series of accidents.

Admiral Joshi's resignation came immediately after a fire on the INS Sindhuratna, which left two sailors dead.