41 ships to join fleet soon
Forty-one ships of different variants, including an aircraft carrier, and submarines, including the nuclear ones and Scorpenes, are expected to the join the Indian Navy in the next couple of years.
This was disclosed by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, here on Thursday.
He was interacting with the media after giving away awards and medals at the Naval Investiture Ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command here.
According to Admiral Lanba, the vessels were being built at different shipyards, that include government-owned and private enterprises at various places in the country. “The Indian Navy is in fine fettle and is a potent blue water force. And the induction of these ships and subs will definitely enhance its strength further,” he said.
Referring to a question on the impact of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), he said that it was already notified by the Indian government that it passes through some sections of India and we have taken note of it.
INS Viraat
On whether INS Viraat would be given to Andhra Pradesh, Admiral Lanba said,
“The aircraft carrier has been decommissioned on March 6, and it is now primarily the decision of the Ministry of Defence. But the Andhra Pradesh government had approached the MoD on 50-50 sharing basis, which I understand has been rejected by the MoD. The option is still open and it all depends on further negotiations.”
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-pape...-ships-to-join-fleet-soon/article18170968.ece
Admiral Sunil Lanba shares long term plans to expand Indian Navy's strength
The 41 ships and submarines which are expected to join the Indian Navy are at various stages of building at different public sector shipyards, according to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba.
Admiral Lanba was in Visakhapatnam to present the President's gallantry and non-gallantry awards to the officers and sailors at the investiture ceremony at INS Circars Parade Ground.
Interacting with media, he said that the Indian Navy is having long term plans to augment its strength on the eastern seaboard, it would have ships, submarines including nuclear powered submarines, aircrafts and manpower shortly.
The role and responsibility of Indian Navy, Admiral Lanba said, has been growing due to various factors and a potent blue water force in the Indian Ocean region.
The navy chief did not rule out the possibility of conceding Andhra Pradesh government's request for conversion of the recently decommissioned INS Viraat into a museum. "The Ministry of Defence had turned down the request for it on the basis of sharing the maintenance cost on 50/50 basis. But, it can be renegotiated", he said.
Earlier at a glittering ceremony, Admiral Lanba presented President's gallantry and non-gallantry awards to 33 naval officers and sailors in recognition of their courage and outstanding contribution .Addressing a huge gathering of officers, sailors and their families, the navy chief recalled their outstanding and brave contribution and also thanked the family members of the award winners for their support to the service personnel in their performance of duty. Navy's role in shaping the economy of the country has been growing and the core values - Duty, Honour and Courage forms the fundamental traits expected from all naval personnel, he added.
Lanba said he firmly believed that it is the team work and never say die attitude of naval personnel that has made the Indian navy a strong and capable maritime force in the world. The leadership, foresight and devotion to duty displayed by naval personnel has enabled a steady growth of our service and transformed us into a blue water navy.
Awardees: Lt Cdr Vikash Kumar Narwal, Lt Cdr Neeraj Kumar, Veer Singh Chief Petty Officer Clearance Diver I and Rakesh Kumar Hull Artificer-4 (posthumously) were awarded Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) for their indomitable courage, conspicuous gallantry and outstanding professionalism. Other awards presented included eight Nao Sena Medals for Devotion to Duty, sixteen Vishisht Seva Medals.
Sarvottam Jeeven Rakshak Padak awarded to Cdr Shishir Kumar Yadavannavar (posthumous), Jeeven Rakshak Padak to Lt Cdr Kapil Kumar Shishodia and Shri Neelkant Ramesh Harikantra LASCAR-1. Captain Ravi Dhir Medal was awarded to Aravind Marisamy Master Chief Air Artificer II and Lieutenant VK Jain Memorial Gold Medal was awarded to Commander Ravi Kumar Singh.
Admiral Lanba also presented unit citation to two afloat units and six shore establishments who have delivered exceptional performance over the past one year. These include IN Ships Trikand, Sunayna, IN Air Squadron 312A, Command Clearance Diving Team, Mumbai, INS Eksila at Visakhapatnam, Naval Ship Repair Yard, Karwar, Base Victualling Yard, Kochi and INS Kardip in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Naval Dockyard, Mumbai and INS Shivaji at Lonavala, Maharastra were awarded with the 'CNS Trophy for Best Green Practices' for the environment friendly and green initiatives.
http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/...ndian-navys-strength/articleshow/58281874.cms