KOCHI :INS Dweep rakshak,Indian Navy’s second operations base in an island territory, was commissioned at Kavaratti in Lakshadweep on Monday. Vice-Admiral K N Sushil, Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command, commissioned the new base. It is an important milestone in the Indian Navy’s efforts to augment security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep. As part of the commissioning ceremony, a 50-men guard was paraded. The ceremony of naming the establishment was performed by Sunitha Ismail, chairperson, State Social Welfare Board. Captain S M Hanchinal, Commanding Officer of the new base, read out the Commissioning Warrant and the Naval Ensign was hoisted.Vice-Admiral Sushil said that commissioning of a full-fledged Naval Base was a milestone in the commitment of the Indian Navy to maintain effective coastal surveillance and defence capability. “Lakshadweep islands form the maritime frontiers of the country on the Western side,” he said.Vice-Admiral Sushil exhorted the crew of INS Dweeprakshak to perform their utmost in discharging their responsibilities. He said that radar stations and other surveillance measures were in place for monitoring shipping traffic and intelligence gathering. Commanding Officer Captain S M Hanchinal will also function as Naval Officer in charge Lakshadweep and Minicoy. The Navy has been operating a detachment at the Kavaratti island for a long time. With the commissioning of INS Dweeprakshak, the island territories would have calibrated strengthening of assets. A firmer footing in the islands would provide the necessary wherewithal to the Indian Navy to discharge its responsibilities.
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