Thirteen Officers of the Indian Navy and three officers of the Coast Guard today graduated as 'Observers'.
The officers from the 79th Ab-initio and 10th Short Service Commission courses graduated as 'observers' at a passing out parade at INS Garuda, the Naval air station here.
Real Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Sea Training reviewed the parade and awarded the 'Wings' to passing out officers.
Captain M M S Shergill, Commanding Officer, INS Garuda was the Conducting Officer, a Naval press release said.
The passing out officers were trained at Observer School, commanded by Commander S M G R V Saripalli.
During the 46 week course, the Officers were trained in tactics employed in Air Warfare, Anti Submarine Warfare and exploitation of ESM systems in addition to the basic training in Air Navigation and flying procedures.
These Officers would function as 'The Airborne Tacticians' on board Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the Navy, the release said.
Addressing the parade after presenting the wings and awards, Rear Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Sea Training, emphasised that this was a landmark event and a milestone in their careers.
The Admiral reminded the officers that the day was also momentous as on this very day the first lady military pilot had got her flying license in 1911, which made it special for lady Observers passing out today.
He stressed that the need of the hour was to be able to operate seamlessly with old and the new technology aircraft in tandem.
The aim should be to first gain and retain the edge to succeed in combat by pushing the envelope and executing the flawless operational planning, he said.
