The Western Naval Command demonstrated the might of Indian Navy in action at Mumbai Harbour on the occasion of Navy Week celebrations. The splendid show involving many facets of the Navy was witnessed by a large Mumbai crowd. Mr PC Alexander, the Governor of Maharashtra was the chief guest.

Two Chetak helicopters heralded the commencement of the display by flying past the audience with the naval ensigns hung below. This was followed by a display by the small but potent missile vessels of the Veer class. Two anti submarine patrol vessels of Abhay class followed and demonstrated colourful torpedo firing. While a fast attack craft of the Navy zoomed past the audience at close range, marine commandos slithered down from helicopters to rubberised inflatable Gemini craft. The commandos then boarded a dummy offshore oil platform, packed it with explosives and escaped in a giffy. They were picked up a little away by the same helicopter. No sooner did the helicopter vanish from the sight, than the dummy platform exploded in totality.

The indigenously built Leander class frigates, the Godavari class ships and the Russian built weapon packed Ranvir class destroyers steamed past demonstrating integral helicopter operations. Aircraft carrier Viraat conducted dummy firing on the targets. It also displayed aerobatics and the magnificent technique of ‘short take off and vertical landing’. Then came the Kiran aircraft which thrilled the audience with their spectacular aerobatic display. The massive TU-142M, the maritime reconnaissance aircraft, flew past the audience before a culminating flypast by variety of other aircraft.

This magnificent one-hour display was put up at Mumbai Harbour. The mighty ships and submarines of the Indian Navy formed the backdrop for the event.

Whilst the Western Naval Command was also keen on displaying the awesome firepower and punch of the ships, submarines and aircraft, safety requirements limited the show. However, the spectators were
able to get a good glimpse, at a close distance, of many a thrilling event