Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 04:The fourth of December is celebrated every year as the Navy Day and has a great significance in the history of the Indian Navy. It marks a decisive victory of the Indian Navy in Operation Trident, as a part of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, wherein ships of the Indian Navy carried out missile attacks on Pakistan Navy ships and shore defence installations, sinking many ships carrying war sustenance efforts and critical stores besides neutralisation of the Chittagong airfield and other defence infrastructure by the relentless offensive actions of the carrier Erstwhile INS Vikrant, are few highlights among others of the Indian Naval actions as a part of the decisive War.
In the year gone by, ships and aircraft of the Indian Navy have maintained sustained presence across areas of interest through mission based deployments to preserve, promote and protect national interest. Indian Naval Ships of A&N Flotilla maintain uninterrupted vigil at the approaches to the Straits of Malacca and Coco channel, keeping a sharp watch over one of the busiest shipping lane in the world which passes only 40 nm South of A&N Islands. Further during the Co-ordinated Patrols with Navies of friendly neighbouring countries in the area, the Indian Navy has ensured better understanding, synergy and maritime co-operation in the region.
While taking significant steps towards nation building, units under naval Component had adopted Kakna Village at Kamorta Island and Shibpur (Diglipur). Indian Navy has been at forefront in aid to civil authority and helped Civil Adminstration in several occasions on firefighting. The swift response in battling a fire in Nicobari Basti at Kamorta, Diglipur and Minnie Bay was praiseworthy. Assets of Naval Component have provided timely support to the distressed vessels on numerous occasions. To enhance the regional connectivity, MoU was signed under UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme for utilizing existing Naval Airfields at Shibpur (Diglipur) and Campbell Bay. Recently INS Utkrosh has been upgraded to CAT-I enabling our Airport to handle flight operations round the clock. Headquarters Naval component was also instrumental in expediting repair of two DSS Ships which are life line of ANI.
To commemorate this auspicious day and to enhance general awareness about the Indian Navy, a host of community outreach activities fanfare and elaborated ceremonials are being conducted by the Indian Navy. This year’s conducted activities include Harbour Cruise for senior citizens and veterans, ship open for visitors at Sri Vijaya Puram and outlying islands, local school children’s visit to Air Stations and many more. Also on the eve of Navy day (04 Dec 24) Band Concert and synchronised Illumination at anchorage of Naval ships (firing of flares) were conducted for fellow islanders at Marina point.
The ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof, Indian Navy is unflinchingly committed towards safeguarding the maritime interests of India and rededicates itself to the service of the nation and its people, on the occasion of the Navy Day 2024. “DO YOUR DUTY, DO IT WELL”.
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