Launch of GRSE Yards 2112 (FO-WJFAC) The fourth in the series of Follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FO-WJFAC) for the Indian Navy was launched on 30 Jun 16 at a ceremony at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata. The ship was launched by Smt Aruna Korde, wife of Vice Admiral Jaywant Korde, AVSM, VSM, Controller of Logistics. After formal welcome by Rear Admiral AK Verma (Retd), VSM, Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE Ltd, the ceremony commenced with an address by the Chief Guest, Vice Admiral Jaywant Korde, AVSM, VSM, Controller of Logistics, Indian Navy. Thereafter, in accordance with the traditions, invocations from Atharva Veda were recited and Smt. Aruna Korde applied Kumkum on the ship and named the ship as INS Tarasa. She wished the ship good luck and launched the vessel. The name of the ship, like the previously launched FO-WJFACs, is based on the picturesque island in the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Jaywant Korde, commended the contribution made by GRSE towards meeting the Navys growing requirements of state of art warships and acknowledged the role of GRSE as a reliable partner in pursuing the national goal of Make in India. He brought out that with the delivery of the first ship of FO-WJFAC project in Apr 16, M/s GRSE has delivered a total of 95 ships to the Indian Navy which speaks volumes about the shipyard capabilities. He extended warm felicitations to the entire team of the GRSE for their significant contribution towards meeting the Navys growing requirements of state-of-art warships. These Follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft are powered by the latest MTU engines, along with an advanced machinery control system and water jets and can attain a maximum speed of up to 35 Knots. The indigenous CRN 91 Gun with Optronic Pedestal gives the ships the requisite firepower to undertake its role of patrolling at sea effectively. The launch of FO-WJFAC, Yard 2112 designed in-house and built by GRSE, Kolkata for the Indian Navy is yet another milestone in Indias quest for self-reliance in shipbuilding. DKS/AC
