Kochi: Indian Navy today commissioned the first ALH Dhruv Helicopter Squadron at Southern Command, Kochi. The squadron is named Indian Naval Air Squadron INAS 322 Guardians. Intensive Flying and Trials Unit for Advanced Light Helicopters, IFTU (ALH), had been set up at INS Garuda, Kochi on 20 Feb 03 with the first landing of Advanced Light Helicopter. The unit’s task was to ensure smooth induction of the new aircraft and lay down guidelines for training and operational exploitation of the ALH. On completion of IFTU, two ALH Flights were formed which were later merged to form a single Flight.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony parade, Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command. said that in the Navy, Dhruv helicopters has transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter also used for missions like heliborne operations, and armed patrol with night vision devices. “Such machines in the inventory have become imperative for the Navy given the scenario of low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and coastal security construct,” said the Admiral.
Smt Mona Sinha named the squadron as INAS 322 and unveiled the commissioning plaque. Commander Ravi Sivasankar, the first Commanding Officer of the Squadron recited the invocation and read out the commissioning warrant. The squadron credo is “Search Fearlessly, Rescue Valiantly” signifying their primary role of SAR.
Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command under whose administrative control INAS 322 would function, in his address said that, the versatile aircraft would soon be cleared for night SAR role, one of the few helicopters in the world to have that capability over sea. He also expressed satisfaction that the ALH would beef up the coast security architecture.
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Indian Navy commissions 1st ALH Dhruv helicopter squadron at Southern Command
Addressing the commissioning ceremony parade, Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command. said that in the Navy, Dhruv helicopters has transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter also used for missions like heliborne operations, and armed patrol with night vision devices. “Such machines in the inventory have become imperative for the Navy given the scenario of low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and coastal security construct,” said the Admiral.
Smt Mona Sinha named the squadron as INAS 322 and unveiled the commissioning plaque. Commander Ravi Sivasankar, the first Commanding Officer of the Squadron recited the invocation and read out the commissioning warrant. The squadron credo is “Search Fearlessly, Rescue Valiantly” signifying their primary role of SAR.
Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command under whose administrative control INAS 322 would function, in his address said that, the versatile aircraft would soon be cleared for night SAR role, one of the few helicopters in the world to have that capability over sea. He also expressed satisfaction that the ALH would beef up the coast security architecture.
http://*****************/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Indian-navy-ALH-Dhruv-Sqn-INAS-322.jpg
Indian Navy commissions 1st ALH Dhruv helicopter squadron at Southern Command
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