Navy gets a new base for its Special Forces

Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of Naval Staff, on Tuesday commissioned the Marine Commandos (MARCOS-East) unit as 'INS Karna' at a function at INS Kalinga in the district.

"The MARCOS unit over the years has grown into a front line operational unit and is mandated to undertake special operations in the entire area of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC)," Lanba said.

As per a Defence release, MARCOS East was raised on October 26, 1992 and since then it has been the primary special operations unit in ENC.

Lanba said the unit has been at the forefront in various operations undertaken by the Navy like Operation Zabardast (Sri Lanka February 1993), Operation Tasha (1990-2009), Operation Leech (1998) and Operation Sagittarius (anti-piracy operations in Malacca Strait).

According to him, the unit is at present involved in two major operations, including Rakshak (counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir since 1997).

He also said the unit based at INS Kalinga will function under Commanding Officer (Designate) Captain Varun Singh, with 25 officers and 374 sailors.

Lanba's wife Reena unveiled the commissioning plaque.

ENC's Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral HCS Bisht said the unit has progressed immensely in terms of manpower, infrastructure, equipment and other resources.