The Fleet Awards Function- 16, commemorating accomplishments of the 'Sword Arm' of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) over past one year was held at the naval premises here with full fanfare.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ENC Vice Admiral HCS Bisht was the chief guest at the event hosted by Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral SV Bhokare, yesterday.
The evening saw full kaleidoscope of activities and highlighted the achievements of Eastern Fleet during the year gone by, a naval release issued here today said.
The event was conducted to recognise overall excellence and valuable contribution of individual ships and the gallant men, who have maintained constant vigil in service to the nation.
During the year gone by, the Eastern Fleet was deployed for numerous operations with a footprint ranging over entire Indian Ocean Region, Western Pacific and South China Sea, the release said.
Eastern Fleet also conducted major multilateral and bi-lateral exercises with foreign navies.
The year 2016 was a milestone year in the naval history of Visakhapatnam, as the ENC and the city played host to the first International Fleet Review conducted on the eastern seaboard.
The city's coastline, beaches were packed to capacity, as the sea and skies off Vizag were set ablaze with a flurry of operational demonstration and the skyline was dotted with 97 ships and 45 aircraft during Static Review, it said.
The Eastern Fleet was in the forefront of all events that happened during IFR-16.
A total of 19 trophies, representing varied disciplines of maritime operations were awarded to meritorious ships.
INS Kuthar was adjudged the 'Most Spirited Ship' while the 'Best Ship Trophy' was awarded to INS Sahyadri.
The event also showcased in house talent of the fleet by means of an enthralling entertainment program, the release added.
