The Indian Navy showcased its operational prowess in the port city of Visakhapatnam, also the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, during the Presidential Fleet Review on February 12.
President A P J Abdul Kalam embarked on the presidential yacht - INS Sukanya - to review the fleet after an impressive 21-gun salute and guard of honour by 150 sailors at the Visakhapatnam harbour. The Presidential Fleet Review is held once during the tenure of each Indian President since 1953.
Incidentally, this is the 9th PFR and the first to be hosted on India's eastern coast. The earlier 8 reviews took place on the western coast off Mumbai. Vizag naval base is the home to India's submarine fleet.
The Eastern Naval Command showcased India's maritime prowess, comprising around 50 Naval ships and 55 aircraft, including aircraft carrier INS Viraat, Talwar-class missile frigates, Delhi-class missile destroyers, Godavari-class frigates, stealth frigates, three submarines, naval sea fighters and helicopters like TU-142 maritime patrol planes, Sea Harrier jets, Sea King and Kamov helicopters.
During the occasion, Dr Kalam created history by becoming the country's first President to undertake an undersea journey in a nuclear submarine.
Image: (Top)President A P J Abdul Kalam is escorted by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash as he prepares to board a submarine. (Bottom)Indian naval personnel in full ceremonial dress line up on the deck of aircraft carrier INS Virat during the Fleet Review 2006 off the shore of Visakhapatnam.
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images