AU girl students interact with US sailors

Visakhapatnam: At a time when the entire India is observing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of Independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements, young girl students of Andhra University got motivated to pursue a career in the defence after a motivating and memorable interaction with the crew of the USS Frank Cable (AS-40). The ship has 9,068 deadweight tonnage (DWT). The Emory S Land class submarine support ship of the United States Navy concluded its four-day visit to Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command on Thursday.

The ship built at Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company at Seattle was commissioned in October, 1979. She was christened in January, 1978 by Rose A Michaelis, wife of Admiral Frederick H. Michaelis, then Chief of Naval Material. The girl students of Andhra University had a reason to think about taking up defence, particularly Indian Navy, as their profession, thanks to the encouraging experiences and words that the young American female sailors shared with them. The sailors were part of a submarine support ship of the United States Navy.

The students, who had taken up NCC and NSS as their activity along with their studies, were given an opportunity to interact with the sailors at American Corner on the premises of Andhra University. It was a 90-minute long intimate discussion between these two groups that sparked in Indian students an interest to join the Indian navy. The sailors visited Andhra University and met the Vice-Chancellor PVGD Prasad Reddy and took part in a tree plantation drive. The Vice-Chancellor described the interaction and visit as quite memorable. During the informal discussion with a group of female NCC and NSS cadets the sailor boys and girls explained to the students how they can choose Navy as their profession and what all exciting things they can experience during their journey by ship. The sailors had already visited Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia and they shared how wonderful it is to travel to so many countries as being part of the ship. On the same day a group of sailors visited Government Children's Home for Boy's at Deen Dayal Puram and participated in several programs with the boys of the home.

They played several games like tug-of-war, lemon and spoon race, kho kho, Chess and dance. The children had a gala time with the young sailors of Frank Cable. On Tuesday students of St Joseph's Women College in Visakhapatnam visited the ship and tried to understand the functioning of the huge ship and operations of the crew. They were taken on a tour of several areas on the ship.

The students had a detailed discussion with female naval officers and sailors of the Frank Cable. Indian students learnt from these American sailors how they would deliver their duties, what are the challenges they face and how exciting it is to spend months on-board the ship.

On arrival, the ship was accorded a traditional welcome with the ENC Band in attendance. Capt John T Frye, Commanding Officer USS Frank Cable called on Vice Adm Sanjay Vatsayan, Chief of Staff, ENC and Rear Adm AY Sardesai, Flag Officer Submarines and discussed matters of common interest. During the ship's stay at Visakhapatnam, a number of professional interactions and informal engagements were organised between the Indian Navy personnel and the crew of the ship.