New Delhi : Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Sunday reviewed the overall preparations for the President’s Fleet Review (PFR) in Visakhapatnam, a day ahead of the event. The 12th edition of the President’s Fleet Review is set to be conducted on Monday, as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, being celebrated as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
President Ram Nath Kovind, embarked on the Presidential Yacht INS Sumitra, will review the Indian Naval Fleet, comprising over 60 ships and submarines, and 55 aircraft. “The indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumitra will lead the Presidential Column. The yacht will be distinguished by the Ashoka Emblem on her side and will fly the President’s Standard on the Mast.
After a Ceremonial Guard of Honour and a 21 Gun Salute, the President embarked on the Presidential Yacht INS Sumitra would sail through 44 ships lined up at anchorage off Visakhapatnam,” the Navy said. Ships from all Naval Commands and Andaman and Nicobar Command will be anchored in four columns. The Presidential yacht will sail past 44 ships anchored in four lanes, and will be accorded the ceremonial salute one by one, Indian Navy said.
“The participating platforms in the review includes newly inducted combat platforms, the latest stealth destroyer INS Visakhapatnam and INS Vela, a Kalvari class submarine commissioned into the Indian Navy recently. Indian Navy Ships Chennai, Delhi, Teg and three Shivalik class frigates and three Kamorta class ASW Corvettes will also form part of the review,” the Navy said.
In this most formal of naval ceremonials, each ship dressed in full regalia will salute the President as he passes. Ships from the Coast Guard, Shipping Corporation of India and Ministry of Earth Sciences are also taking part. The President will also be reviewing the Indian Naval Air Arm in a display of spectacular fly-past by several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks and MiG 29K.
Further, several enthralling waterfront activities, including Parade of Sails, Search and Rescue Demonstration at Sea, Aerobatics by Hawk aircraft and Water Para Jumps by the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) will be conducted, the Navy said. In the final stage of review, a mobile column of warships and submarines will steam past the Presidential Yacht. This display will also showcase the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy
. Out of 60 ships and submarines participating in the vent, 47 have been constructed in Indian shipyards, thus showcasing the indigenous capabilities of the country and progressing towards self-reliance, the Navy said. The Review will be followed by releasing of a special First Day Cover and a commemorative stamp by the President in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Communication Devusinh J Chauhan.
