Grand spectacle to showcase Navy's might at PFR today

Visakhapatnam: All arrangements are in place including barricading and declaring of a holiday for industries located in the naval area to avoid traffic snarls for 12th President's Fleet Review (PFR)-a grand spectacle to showcase the might of the Indian Navy of Visakhapatnam coast on Monday.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Navy reviewed the overall preparations. Ships from all naval commands and Andaman and Nicobar Command are anchored in four columns.

President Ram Nath Kovind, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will review the naval fleet comprising 60 ships and submarines, and 55 aircraft. This is the 12th fleet review and has a special significance that it is being conducted on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India's Independence being celebrated as 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' across the Nation.

Ships have been lined up in columns at the anchorage, which were illuminated after sunset. Three ships have been kept ready for the fleet review which include President's Yacht, a standby yacht and another ship to carry media persons. They will steampast between the columns.

The President will embark on the President's Yacht INS Sumitra to review the Indian Naval Fleet. The President's Yacht will sail past 44 ships anchored in four lanes and will be accorded the ceremonial salute, one by one.

The participating platforms in the review include newly-inducted combat platforms, the latest stealth destroyer INS Visakhapatnam and INS Vela, a Kalvari class submarine commissioned recently. INS Ships Chennai, Delhi, Teg and three Shivalik class frigates and three Kamorta class ASW corvettes will also form part of the review.

A composite flypast by Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers,IL-38SD, P81. Hawks and MiG 29K will form part of the review. It is pertinent to mention that 47 out of the 60 ships and submarines participating have been constructed in Indian shipyards demonstrating with pride the indigenous capabilities and progress towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).

The President is scheduled to release a special cover and a postal stamp during his visit at the Naval Base.

INS Visakhapatnam, the first of its kind in Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyer which recently carried out test-firing of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in the Western Seaboard will be a special attraction.

The Eastern Naval Command and the district administration have made elaborate arrangements for several days to make the gala event a grand success. Several VVIPs have been making trips to the city to make arrangements for the event.

The President's Yacht, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sumitra, will lead the Presidential Column.