Ships of the Eastern Local Flotilla, actively involved in minesweeping and mine-laying operations off the Eastern seaboard, were today awarded trophies in recognition of their operational achievements, professional competence and show of zeal and enthusiasm during the year.
Trophies were awarded at the ceremonial parade held at the Flotilla Sports Ground at the Naval Dockyard here.
Naval Officer-in-Charge (NOIC)(Andhra Pradesh) Captain Satish Uniyal, inspected the parade comprising personnel drawn from Minesweepers, Landing Craft, Torpedo Recovery Vessels, Naval Utility Tug and the newly inducted Fast Interception Crafts.
The Parade was followed by the award of trophies in recognition of the operational achievements, professional competence and show of zeal and enthusiasm displayed by the Flotilla ships during the year, a defence release said.
"Seven ships contested keenly across several categories with INS Cuddalore winning the Best Ship and INS Kozhikode, the Best Spirited Ship, whilst the Best Ship in Small Vessel Category was bagged by INS Gaj," the release said.
The Local Flotilla, operating under the wings of the Eastern Naval Command, has been in operations for over two decades and was tasked with the defence of the coastal assets of Andhra Pradesh.
The Flotilla under the operational command of the Naval Officer-in-Charge, is actively involved in mine sweeping and mine hunting operations towards ensuring safe transit of the fleet in and out of various harbours off the Eastern seaboard.
In addition to these operational deployments, regular coastal security exercises and awareness campaigns are also being conducted throughout the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.
NOIC (AP) also acts as a nodal agency for interaction with various oil operators of the Krishna Godavari Basin and the port authorities of all the ports on the AP coast, according to the release.
