An opportunity for Tuticorin students, teachers

Two frontline warships of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet reached Tuticorin coast as part of Navy Week 2012. Students and teachers of educational institutions on Oct. 28 paid a visit to V.O.Chidambaranar Port, where the mighty naval warships INS Ranjit and INS Khukri were docked. The warships of the Eastern fleet were based at Vishakapatnam.

The visitors were spell-bound as they stood on the deck amid ships and took stock of seafaring adventures. The 142 metre long INS Ranjit was commissioned on Sept. 15, 1983 at Poti, USSR. The visitors witnessed the might of four surface-to- surface missile striking weapons, 32 surface-to-air missile weapons, anti-submarine weapons, fire control radar, close range weapon system, which could fire a barrage of 5,000 rounds within a minute through six barrels, a couple of anti-submarine rocket launchers and weapons to combat piracy on INS Ranjit, the third ship of the Kashin class destroyers.

The visitors were taken aback on seeing the staggering missile launchers installed on bow and stern deck for attacking the enemies. With general displacement of 4, 800 tonnes, the armed vessel could move up to a speed of 38 knots. To maintain surveillance and disclose the movement of opponent vessels at sea, radar sensors are installed, officials said while explaining to the visitors, who learnt that a crew of 350 gallant men and 35 officers would be alert on the ship, which propels a beehive of activities.

A helicopter deck was aboard the ship adding strength to the regiment. Besides, life support systems such as rigid inflatable boats, life rafts and lifebuoys were in place to avail in times of distress.

Capt. Shishir Chandra Verma, Commanding Officer, INS Ranjit, told newsmen that the recently commissioned INS Sahyadri would join the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy early next year. The ship developed with the latest technology was inducted under project – 17. A large number of inductions have been planned in the next few years, he said and added that anti-piracy measures are being executed with the support of INS Sukanya along the East coast.

The Eastern Fleet played a crucial role to protect the sovereignty of India and safeguard maritime interests. In the aftermath of tsunami in 2004, the Fleet was instrumental in relief and rescue efforts and also played a significant role in disaster relief operations. He stated that the students should volunteer to join the Navy.

Commander Rahul Vilas Gokhale of INS Khukri; Lt. Commander Pranjal Sinha, Operations Officer, INS Kattabomman, and others were present.

www.sagarsandesh.com