Aircraft, helicopters, gliders dot skies: Navy Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: The skies were dotted with aircraft and helicopters and ocean with ships and submarines as the Indian navy celebrated the Navy Day in Visakhapatnam with a host of daring naval operational demonstration on Wednesday.

Despite the traffic restrictions, thousands of people headed to the beach road to get a glimpse of the eye-catching feats of the Indian Navy.

For many, the adventurous demos of the Indian Navy were a source of excitement and pride. Apart from the designated places, the balconies and terrace at several apartment complexes turned out to be packed with curious viewers in the evening.

Highlighting the multi-dimensional warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the vast maritime borders and offshore assets of the country, the display at the venue exhibited the versatility of the naval ships, aircraft and special force.

The operational demonstration also gave an opportunity for the public to have a closer look at the multifarious activities of the navy and the challenges that naval personnel experience at sea.

The naval power demonstration continued with the display of helicopters landing and taking off from the moving column of INS Shivalik, Rajput, Jalashwa, Ranvir and Kiltan in a taut formation.

The navy's search and rescue capabilities which have played a vital role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, both at national and international levels, were projected by the UH3H helicopter.

As a part of the spellbinding display of covert operations, the insertion of a team of Marine Commandos in a precise slithering operation from mighty Sea King Helicopter was demonstrated.

The Marine Commandos also displayed a wide range of combat capabilities, including extraction by Sea King helicopter and clandestine sabotage operations by detonating explosive charges on a simulated oil rig.

The demonstration culminated with a scintillating fly-past by all aircraft closely followed by a spectacular Bomb Burst Manoeuvre by the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers.