Port Blair, Feb 23: Indian Coast Guard Ship Akka Devi an integral part of the CG fleet of ships at A&N Region departed to mainland on 23 Feb 14 for decommissioning ceremony after 24 years of glorious service to the nation.
ICGS Akka Devi an indigenously built Inshore Built Patrol Vessel and frontline sea going unit of A&N Region was decommissioned on 09 Aug 1989 at GRSE Kolkata. The ship after a brief stint of 01 year at Chennai was rebased at A&N Region in 1990 and has been serving A&N Region since then.
To bid adieu to the ship a tea party with Ship’s Company and officer of ICGS Akka Devi was organized at CGISC at Panipath Road, Haddo. All COs, Oi/Cs of CG Ships and Establishments along with large number of personnel attended the event. Inspector General VSR Murthy, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region (A&N) also graced the occasion. A slideshow of pictures depicting the activities of ship served as a reminder of the glorious history and the legacy of the ship. The ship during her 24 years of illustrious service to A&N group of Islands was at sea for more than 2300 days and has apprehended/rescued 670 poachers in 50 operations and saved 465 lives at sea in 35 SAR operations and the first ever arms and ammunition seizure at A&N Islands along with 05 Foreign Nationals.
Speaking on the occasion, IG Murthy lauded the dedicated efforts made by the officers and men over a period of 24 years towards the fulfillment of CG Charter of duties and in ensuring the safety & security of strategically sensitive group of Islands. He also complemented the present ship crew for the whole hearted participation in all the Regional activities from time to time. At the end of the event Regional Commander also thanked the Commanding Officer ICGS Varad for organizing the event in a befitting manner. A communiqué received from Commandant Rajeev Sharma, PRO Coast Guard.
