Port Blair, Feb 07: The International City Parade has always been a major attraction for the public during each MILAN. The event will be held on 08 February 2014 on Marine Drive. The event is open for viewing by the public. This colourful parade will give an exposure to the various facets of the Armed Forces besides showcasing the cultural heritage of India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The parade will commence with a Fly Past by various aircraft of the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The Fly Past will be led by two Chetak helicopters of the INAS 321 Flight of INS Utkrosh, displaying the National Flag and the ANC Flag. They will be followed by ‘Flag Trooping’by a MI-8 helicopter of the Indian Air Force. The helicopter, also called as ‘Pratap’ will carry the MILAN flag. Three Dornier aircraft from INAS 318 Squadron of INS Utkrosh, flying in formation at a very close distance from each other, will also be a part of the Fly Past. The audience will also have the rare opportunity to witness a flypast by the Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, one of the finest and most potent fighter aircraft in the world.
The Fly Past will be followed by a demonstration of covert operations by the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) of the Indian Navy. The MARCOS will carry out a simulated attack on an Oil Rig Platform. The team will be launched from a Mi-17 helicopter by a technique called ‘Helo Casting’. A group of six MARCOS will slither into a small attack boat and proceed stealthily to attack the Oil Rig located at a distance away. Later, the MARCOS will demonstrate a technique, called Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE) which is used to take troops from one location to another by helicopter on a rope slung below the aircraft.
The next demonstration will onSearch and Rescue (SAR) Procedure, that is carried out by the Chetak helicopter to locate persons who have fallen over board into sea. The Chetak is from the INAS 321 Flight, which is also nicknamed ‘The Angels’ in recognition of the valuable life-saving tasks they perform. The SAR task will be followed by a Sky Diving display by members of the Akash Ganga Sky Diving team of the Indian Air Force. The Sky Divers have already enthralled the public of Port Blair with their demonstration during the MILAN Display on 06 February 14, as well as during the rehearsals for the International City Parade that are being held over the last few days.
The dare devil display by the Sky Diving Team will be followed by the March Past by various contingents. The contingents will include the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Coast Guard, along with military bands of the Indian Armyand Indian Navy. The foreign ships participating in MILAN 2014 will also take part in the March Past. Contingents form the Andaman and Nicobar Police, NCC platoons and local schools will also take part in the March Past. A cultural show will follow the March Past. The Nicobar tribal dance and the ‘Bhagra’ dance by the 22 PUNJAB of the Indian Army will also provide colour to the parade.
A demonstration of military accuracy and precision will be showcased by the Air Warriors of the Indian Air Force in a Rifle Drill. The men will demonstrate their skill and control with rifles in a co-ordinated drill that will be performed without break. The Rifle Drill by the Air Warrior has also been a major attraction during International City Parade in the past.
Various tableaus will follow the Rifle Drill. The tableaus will depict various facets of the Indian Armed Forces as well as that of the various civilian departments of the State Administration. The tableaus will be followed by the Indian Navy and Indian Army Bands performing melodious tunes.
The International City Parade will conclude with the Sunset Ceremony, where the National Flag will be lowered in a formal ceremony to the accompaniment of military bands. The Parade is open for viewing by the general public. Spectators are advised to arrive at the venue by 1430hrs on 08 Feb 14.
