INS Venduruthy celebrates 70th anniversary

: INS Venduruthy, the Flag Ship of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command, today celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy, Commodore M R Ajay Kumar said Venduruthy has burgeoned into the largest establishment of the Indian Navy and provides logistics and administrative support to 73 units.
Within its four walls, the naval base houses the Headquarters of Southern Naval Command, ships, air base, repair yards, hospital, professional schools,accommodation for married and in-living officers and sailors, shopping complex and a host of other facilities.
He traced the origin of the naval base from August 31, 1939 when a small naval contingent was placed in Cochin under a Royal Indian Navy officer who assumed the duties of Naval Officer-in-Charge, Cochin.

The contingent was tasked to cater to the requirements of Local Naval Defence, running a Port Wireless Signal Station and an Examination Service.
The present day INS Venduruthy was commissioned as HMIS Venduruthy on June 23, 1943 and after Independence was renamed INS Venduruthy. Since then Venduruthy has continued to grow over the years.

Fisheries Minister K Babu, who was the Chief Guest, lauded the important role played by INS Venduruthy in maintaining a link between the Navy and the civil administration.
He appreciated the major role played by the Navy in coordinating coastal security requirements in Kerala and the help accorded for putting in place a strong and reliable network where various agencies like district administrations, Marine Police, Fisheries department and port authorities can discuss and go ahead together.

He also presented proficiency certificates and cash awards to the sailors and defence civilians of Venduruthy.