Navy Day celebrations in Kerala
Credit: PTI Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Navy showcased its maritime prowess in Kerala on Wednesday.
President Droupadi Murmu, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Rajendra Arlekar and chief of Naval staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi were among the dignitaries.
The Navy's skills and capabilities were on display in the Shanghumugham beach in Thiruvananthapuram.
Nineteen major war vessels, including indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, one submarine, four fast intervention boats, and 32 aircraft — fighter jets, surveillance planes and helicopters — are part of the show, a top naval officer said.
Apart from the display of warships and aircrafts, Navy personnel also displayed rescue and combat skills during the operational demonstration held as part of Navy Day celebrations.
Thousands thronged the beach to watch the spectacle.
Around 20 major warships, submarines, fast intervention boats and 32 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters, took part in the demonstration.
An anti-piracy operation by the marine commandos (MARCOS), formation flying by aircrafts, paragliding and display of the state-of-the-art frontline frigates and missile corvettes were the highlights of the nearly two hours long demonstration.
Hornpipe dance by the cadet corps, cultural shows and fireworks display added colour to the festivities.
The ceremonies began with a guard of honour for the President.
Earlier, Murmu was received by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi at the technical area of the airport here
She was given a guard a honour at the technical area, and simultaneously accorded a ceremonial gun salute by the flagship destroyer INS Kolkata.
(With PTI inputs)