The longest serving warship of the world, INS Viraat, was decommissioned by the Indian Navy on Monday in a sombre yet grand ceremony at Mumbai’s naval dockyard.

The last post for INS Viraat was sounded at sunset on Monday in the presence of more than 4500 “Viraatees”, including 22 of its commanding officers, former chiefs of naval staff and guest of honour Chief of Royal Navy Admiral Philip Jones. The Seaking and Harpoon helicopters also rose to bid farewell as the Commissioning Pendent was lowered for the last time on board INS Viraat.

The Naval Ensign and Commissioning Pendent was later folded and handed over to the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, signalling the end of the Viraat era. A Special Cover by Army Postal Service was also launched on the occasion.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Admiral Lanba said that it was a moment of pride and sorrow.