VISAKHAPATNAM: The RK beach in Vizag city on Sunday reflected a war zone as well as a tourist spot, with tens of thousands of people lining up the beach to watch the Indian Navy Operational Demonstration (op-demo) as a part of the Navy Day.
Though the op demo was supposed to be held on December 4 (Navy Day), it was rescheduled on December 10 (Sunday) in consideration of safety concerns posed by Cyclone Michaung.
Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Justice S Abdul Nazeer graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, adding prestige to this remarkable event.
The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy displayed its maritime, air and onshore capabilities, putting forth the might of its fleet. The operation demonstration gives an opportunity for the public to have a closer glimpse at the multi-furious activities of the Navy and the challenges that naval personnel experience at sea.
The op-demo commenced with detonation of charge or water plume and INS Sindhushastra submarine sailed past.
Assault demo by the marine commandos using high speed boasts, slithering demo by helicopter, neutralizing the anti-national elements, combat freefall by the Navy's skydiving team and presenting memento to chief guest Justice S Abdul Nazeer were some of the major events during the Op Demo.
The high-speed run by inshore support vessels, manoeuvres by fleet ships, anti-submarine rocket firing, helicopter landing demo, hawk demo, amphibious demo, aircraft demo by Hawk, composite flypast by aircrafts and Hawks and the illumination for ships have enthralled the spectators.
The Op Demo showcased the prowess of the Indian Navy’s ships, submarines, aircrafts, and commandos. The demonstration culminated with a composite fly fast by various aircraft followed by beating retreat, a ceremonial sunset and illumination by ships, said a senior naval officer.
The one-hour op-demo gave us the impression that our blue waters are safe hands and our Navy has the potential to retaliate against any kind of threat. Kudos to a great show, said G Ganesh, an employee with a private firm in Vizag city.
As the Op-Demo event was held on Sunday, thousands of people visited the beach road and witnessed the Indian Navy's Op-Demo. The events offered an insight into operations at sea.
