Port Blair, Feb 10: MILAN 2014, the multinational naval congregation underway at Port Blair since 04 Feb 14, culminated with the nine foreign ships from friendly foreign countries casting off from their respective berths to participate in aPhoto and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) along with six ANC ANFLOT ships, prior to setting sail for respective home ports on 09 Feb 14.
The PASSEX was conducted with the fifteen ships formed in three columns of five ships each. Indian Navy Ships were the leading and aftermost ship in all three columns. The exercise facilitated interoperability between multinational ships during manoeuvres and Communication Drills. Thereafter all ships formed in a single column for ‘Man and Cheer Ship’.With CINCAN embarked, the flagship INS Saryu steamed past the column of fourteen ships. The crew of all ships manning the sides and cheering, each ship CO saluted the CINCAN, while CINCAN returned salute to each ship. The PASSEX is aimed at enhancing the coordination between the participating countries andwas a befitting finale to the MILAN 2014 and its motto ‘Friendship Across the Seas’.
The littoral countries departed with a message of harmony and peaceful coexistence, and with a promise to meet again in 2016 at Port Blair, with the same spirit and enthusiasm.
