Navy shows its might off Chennai coast

CHENNAI: Six warships belonging to the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, on Wednesday, carried out naval training exercises off the Chennai coast as part of the Navy Day celebrations. The warships included INS Shivalik, a multi-role frigate, three R-class guided missile destroyers that included INS Ranjit, INS Ranvir, INS Ranvijay, INS Airawat, the third Shardul class amphibious warfare vessel of the Indian Navy, and INS Kirch, a Kora Class corvette, currently in active service with the Indian Navy.With Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah on board INS Shivalik, the ships travelled 30 kms in two hours and 30 minutes, performing various naval drills and leaving the 3,000-odd audience spellbound.The exercises included firing of signal cartridges from Naval ships and a helicopter carrying out search and rescue operations.INS Shivalik demonstrated anti-air machine gun firing, which involved taking down lit-up flare-like targets that were shot into the sky. Light and Medium machine guns were used in the exercise. The ships also demonstrated underway replenishment involving transfer of men and material by jackstay.Rear Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Indian Navy, under whose supervision the event was held, said that the exercises were being held as an extension of the Navy day celebrations.