Navy warship INS Ganga decommissioned

INS Ganga, an indigenously built frigate of the Indian Navy, was decommissioned on Thursday evening after rendering more than three decades of glorious service to the Indian Navy and the nation.

Commissioned on December 30, 1985, the ship represented a big step forward in the nation's warship building capability.

Apart from various senior officers, the ceremony was attended by several officers and men - many now retired - who had served onboard the ship in the past. This allowed interactions and reminiscences that cut across not just rank and seniority but also time and generations.

The poignant and impressive ceremony, which saw the naval ensign hauled down for the last time at sunset, was conducted by the last commanding officer of the ship, Captain NP Pradeep.

The chief guest for the ceremony was Vice Admiral AK Bhal, who was a former crew member of the ship from the year 1989 to 1991. The special guest of honour for the ceremony was Vice Admiral (retd) KK Kohli, the first commanding officer of INS Ganga.