INDIA. Mumbai: The Indian Naval Ships’ on commemorative visits reached various ports across six continents (except Antarctica), three oceans, and six different time zones to join the celebrations of 75 years of India’s Independence on Saturday.
These ships will hoist the Indian tricolour flag in the presence of the Indian diaspora and distinguished local dignitaries on the historic 76th Independence Day.
The ship deployment: Muscat (Oman) – INS Chennai & INS Kochi, Singapore – INS Saryu, Africa: Mombasa (Kenya) – INS Tabar, Europe London (UK) – INS Tarangini, South America, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) – INS Tarkash, Australia: Perth (Australia) – INS Sumedha and North America San Diego (USA) – INS Satpura.
INS Sumedha deployed to the South Eastern Indian Ocean and entered Perth, Australia on 14 August. A flag hoisting ceremony is scheduled onboard in the presence of Veterans and Australian Defence Forces officers on August 15.
INS Sumedha being the easternmost deployed unit of the Indian Navy, would be the first ship to hoist the Tricolour on August 15, and kick-start the Independence Day celebrations. The ship would also be open for visitors and the Indian diaspora during her port call.
Further, the Indian Naval Band from INS Sumedha also participated in the India Day Parade at Perth organized by the Consulate General of India, Perth, and the Indian Society of Western Australia on August 14.
During the port call, the crew would be undertaking professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and sports fixtures with the Royal Australian Navy.
INS Sumedha is also scheduled to participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with HMAS Anzac, an Anzac class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy on August 17, during her return passage.
On the North American continent, the Navy’s stealth frigate INS Satpura arrived at San Diego Harbour on Aug 13. Other than hoisting the Indian Tricolour in the presence of the Indian diaspora and distinguished local dignitaries, the ship will conduct a 75-lap “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Run” at San Diego US Navy Base on Aug 15.
The visit of INS Satpura to San Diego is also historic as this is the first time an Indian Naval Warship has reached the west coast of North America, thus demonstrating the capability of the Indian Navy to deploy across the globe, when required in support of the National objectives.
INS Tarkash touched Brazilian shores on August 7. The historic visit commenced with the Port Call at Natal, a maiden visit by any Indian Naval Ship. The ship subsequently departed Natal and reached Rio De Janeiro on August 13. The visit to Rio de Janerio is also to commemorate the 200th-anniversary celebrations of Brazilian Independence.
On the African continent, the guided missile frigate INS Tabar reached Mombasa, Kenya on August 14. During her stay at Mombasa port, the ship’s crew will undertake several activities, which include a Flag Hoisting Ceremony onboard the ship on August 15, which is likely to be attended by Senior Officials of the Kenya Navy, civilian guests, and Indian diaspora. On August 16.
‘India – Kenya Friendship Run’ has been planned at Mtongwe Naval Base, wherein over 100 participants, including about 40 personnel from Tabar, civilian guests, and representatives of the Indian community are likely to participate. A medical camp is also planned to be conducted by the ship at Mtongwe County Healthcare Centre.
In the Asian continent, on August 14, IN Destroyers “Chennai” and “Kochi” made a port call at Muscat, Oman in the Middle East whilst Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Saryu entered Singapore as part of the commemorative deployments. A ceremonial wreath laid down by the IN ship crew/ delegation is scheduled at Kranji War Memorial and the INA Marker in Singapore on August 15.
Indian Navy’s oldest Sail Training Ship INS Tarangini would be representing the Indian Navy in the European continent made a port call in London (UK) on August 14. The crew of INS Tarangini would be paying homage to the Indian soldiers, who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the two World Wars, at the Commonwealth Memorial gates.
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