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Malabar 2010: Indo – U.S. Joint Naval Exercise Concludes

OldSailor — Tue, 04 May 2010 04:09:03 +0000

Indo – U.S. joint bilateral naval exercise “Malabar 2010”, was conducted from April 23. The week long exercise was participated by the ships, submarines and aircraft from the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.

Some interesting features of Malabar 2010 are:

Aims to promote the interoperability of both navies.
U.S. forces participated:
- Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67).
- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Chafee (DDG 90).
- Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Curts (FFG 38).
- Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760).
- P-3 Orion aircraft, SH-60 helicopters.
- Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) special forces detachment.
Participation by Indian Navy:
- INS Mysore (D 60), Delhi-class guided-missile destroyer.
- Frigates: INS Godavari (F 20), INS Brahmaputra (F 31) and INS Tabar (F 44).
- Submarine INS Shishumar.
Training conducted at sea includes surface and anti-submarine warfare, coordinated gunnery exercises, air defense and visit, board, search and seizure drills including professional exchanges and discussions between both navies while at sea and on shore.
U.S. Navy personnel also participated in a community service project during the port visit to Goa. Sailors from USS Shiloh and USS Lassen painted class rooms at the Bhatikar Model English School in Goa, India.

Here are some photographs released by the Commander U.S. 7th Fleet of U.S. Navy.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Chafee (DDG 90), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Curts (FFG 38) sail in formation with ships from the Indian navy during a photo exercise following the completion of Exercise Malabar 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki/Released)

An Indian Navy Marine Commando embarks a rigid-hull inflatable boat assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) prior to a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki/Released)

View an interesting video clip: Introduction to the U.S. 7th Fleet.

For more details, log on to Commander U.S. 7th Fleet of U.S. Navy.

INS Shivalik: First Indigenous Stealth Frigate Joins Indian Navy

OldSailor — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:36:44 +0000

INS Shivalik (F- 47), the first indigenously-built stealth frigate was commissioned on April 29 by the Defence Minister A K Antony at Mumbai. INS Shivalik with structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features is the first of the Project-17 frigates, built by Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL). It is reported that INS Shivalik is the largest stealth warship in her class in the world and the other countries having the capability to build stealth warships are the US, the UK, Russia, France, Sweden, China, Japan and Italy. The warship has integration of weapons and sensors of India, Russia, Israel and other western countries.

The 143 metres long warship with 6,000 tonne displacement has 35 officers and over 250 crew members. Two more warships of Shivalik class, INS Sayahdri and INS Satpura are expected to be commissioned by the end of this year and middle of next year respectively. More stealth warships are expected to be built under Project-17A.

Here is the press release dated April 29 and photographs on right from Press Information Bureau:

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today called upon the Indian Industry to give their best in developing the country’s ship building programmes. Commissioning INS Shivalik, the first of three new stealth frigates for the Indian Navy in Mumbai, he said, over the years there has been a distinct shift in our policy from a “Buyer’s Navy’ to a ‘Builder’s Navy”.

He said the ship building industry has to modernize itself through indigenous efforts and minimize its dependence on imports. “We must continue with our efforts to transform and modernize our shipyards, so that they can not only meet the domestic demands but also achieve latest international standards in quality construction. We must be able to produce quality ships in a shorter time frame at competitive costs. I strongly urge all the participants of the Indian industry to give their best in developing our ship building programmes”.

He said time and again history has taught us to maintain a strong and vigilant navy. “Our maritime heritage dates back to the ancient times. Though we have come a long way in re-establishing our capabilities on the high seas since our independence, we still have a lot to achieve before we can consider ourselves a really potent naval force. History has time and again held out lessons in maintaining a strong and an eternally vigilant Navy”, the Defence Minister said.

Shri Antony said the security situation in and around our immediate neighbourhood poses several security related challenges. He reiterated that we have to maintain high levels of operational readiness at all times.

Shri Antony described the commissioning as a red letter day for the Indian Navy, our Armed Forces, the ship building industry and the entire nation. He said India’s long coastline and ever expanding exclusive economic zone make it imperative to defend our main land as well as maintain the sea lanes of communication. With the commissioning of the stealth frigate, he expressed confidence that the maritime interest will further secure.

INS Shivalik and the follow-on-ships of the Shivalik class (namely, Satpura and Sahyadiri) have been conceived and designed by Indian Navy design teams. The Shivalik class will be the mainstay frigates of the Indian Navy in the first half of the 21st century.

The incorporation of numerous new design features aboard INS Shivalik effectively reduces the probability of her being detected at sea. The in-built structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features augment the potent capability of the ship to address threats in all dimensions of maritime warfare.

The weapon-sensor fit of the Shivalik is controlled through a Combat Management System called ‘CMS-17’, designed and developed by the Indian Navy and manufactured by Bharat Electronics (Ghaziabad). The system allows the seamless integration of the ship’s systems as well as with the weapons and sensors of other Fleet ships, thus enabling the concept of ‘Co-operative Engagement Capability’ (CES). With her ability to detect and engage surface, air and sub-surface assets of the enemy at extended ranges, this ship represents very significant combat-potential.

With modern LM 2500 Gas Turbine propelling her to speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 kmph), the ship is a true greyhound upon the seas. The ship’s electric power is provided by four Diesel Alternators, which together produce 4 Mega-Watts of power – enough to light-up a small town. The power generation and distribution on board is controlled through an ‘Automated Power Management System’ (APMS), which enables the optimal use of electricity at all times. The two Multi-Role helicopters that would be embarked on Shivalik will provide for enhanced surveillance and attack capability.

The Shivalik is also equipped with a proven defense against Nuclear, Biological and Chemical attack. The state-of-the art ‘Total Atmospheric Control System’ (TACS) ensures filtration of the air going into the ship at all times. In addition, it ensures the complete removal of radioactive, chemical or biological impurities, thereby protecting the crew and shipborne systems even when operating in areas contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical agents.

The ship’s domestic requirements of fresh water are met through two Reverse Osmosis plants, while a fully automated galley, ensures that the crew can be fed Indian, Continental and Asian meals, including freshly baked bread and home-made ice cream.

The accommodation arrangements for the 35 officers and over 250 crew members of the Shivalik has been provided by M/s Godrej, whose advance ergonomic design ensures crew comfort and space management.

Among those present at today’s ceremony included the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, the Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, the Secretary Defence Production Shri RK Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Limited Rear Admiral (Retd) HS Malhi, Defence Attaches and Consul Generals of different Countries.

Here are some video clips:

Indian Navy: GRSE Launches Kamorta – First Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette (ASWC)

OldSailor — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:11:06 +0000

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata launched ‘Kamorta’ the first Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette (ASWC) for the Indian Navy on April 19. The event coincides with Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations of GRSE.

Some interesting features of ASWC Kamorta and the launch are:

Kamorta signifies an island, in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.
Launched by Smt. Mamatha M, wife of the Minister of State of Defence, Shri M.M. Pallam Raju.
Stealth corvette (Yard 3017), the first of the series of four under construction as Project 28.
Expected to be commissioned by mid-2012.
Three remaining corvettes are also under construction and are expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy by early 2015.
Equipped with the latest indigenously developed Sonar to detect submarines, torpedo tubes, Improvised Rocket Launchers (IRL) and scutter (torpedo decoys) launchers.
Has a very low signature of radiated underwater noise.

Here are some photographs from Press Information Bureau.

Smt. Mamatha M wife of the Minister of State of Defence, Shri M.M. Pallam Raju launching the Kamorta, First Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette built at GRSE, Kolkata.

U.S.Navy: Admiral Gary Roughead CNO Visits India

OldSailor — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:48:55 +0000

Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) of the United States Navy, is on six days visit to India from April 11. His visit is significant in view of the annual Indo-U.S Malabar exercise scheduled from April 23 to May 02.

He is expected to visit ships and establishments of Indian Navy in Mumbai, Goa and some training establishments in Kochi.

Here is a photograph from Press Information Bureau.

Admiral Gary Roughead, CNO, U.S. Navy with Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff in New Delhi on April 12.

View a video clip of Videos From India: US Navy chief receives guard of Honour in New Delhi

Read more from Press Information Bureau.

Update: April 20

Here are some more photographs from U.S. Navy.

Mumbai visit: CNO, Adm. Gary Roughead tours the Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS VIRAAT in Mumbai. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released)

Goa visit: CNO, Adm. Gary Roughead thanks senior leaders of the Indian Navy while visiting with Sailors at INS Hansa in Goa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released)

Kochi (Cochin) visit: CNO, Adm. Gary Roughead signs a guest book while touring the Navigation and Direction School at INS Garuda in Cochin. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released)

SIMBEX 2010: 17th Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise

OldSailor — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:20:57 +0000

The 17th annual Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX 2010) has commenced on April 03. The exercise is going on in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. SIMBEX 2010 is expected to conclude on April 16.

Some interesting features of SIMBEX 2010 are:

Participating ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
- RSS Intrepid (Formidable Class stealth frigate – pennant number 69)
- RSS Victory (Victory class missile corvette – pennant number 88)
During the course of the exercise the RSN ships would also be visiting Port Blair and Visakhapatnam.
Participating ships from the Indian navy:
- INS Batti Malv (Fast Attack Craft) and INS Mahish (Landing Ship Tank) from the Andaman & Nicobar Command
- INS Ranvir (Destroyer), INS Jyoti (Tanker) and a submarine from the Eastern Naval Command.
In addition fixed wing and rotary wing aircrafts are also participating in the exercise.

Here are the photographs of RSS Intrepid and RSS Victory available from U.S. Navy website.

View more photographs of the Republic of Singapore Navy from Flickr.

Read more from Press Information Bureau.

Indian Navy: INS Chennai Project 15A (Kolkatta Class) Destroyer Launched

OldSailor — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:07:13 +0000

On April 01, INS Chennai guided missile destroyer (Project 15A Kolkatta Class) was launched at Mumbai by Mrs Elizabeth Antony, the wife of Defence Minister A K Antony. INS Chennai is the third destroyer (after INS Kolkata and INS Kochi) of Project 15 Alpha, under construction by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).

INS Chennai is expected to be commissioned in August 2013.

Here is the press release from Press Information Bureau:

The country’s third indigenous Naval destroyer INS Chennai built at the Mazagon Docks was launched by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony’s wife Smt Elizabeth Antony amidst chanting of Vedic hymns at a function in Mumbai, today. INS Chennai has been built under the code name of Project 15 Alpha. The 163 meter long INS Chennai, propelled by four gas turbines is designed to achieve speed in excess of 30 knots. The indigenously designed ship will have state of the art weapons and sensors, stealth features, an advanced action information system, a comprehensive auxiliary control system, world class modular living spaces, sophisticated power distribution system and a host of other advanced features.

INS Chennai will be fitted with the supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missile system. The system enables the ship to engage shore-based and naval surface targets at long range making it a lethal platform for strike against enemy targets. The ship’s air defence capability, designed to counter the threat of enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missile will revolve around the vertical launch, long range surface to air missile system, which is being co-developed by DRDO. Four AK-630 rapid-fire guns will provide the ship with close-in-defence capability while an MR gun will enable her to provide effective naval gunfire support. Indigenously developed twin tube torpedo launchers and rocket launchers will add punch to the ship’s anti-submarine capability. Indeed, these ships integrate many new features and involve design changes that ensure a far more advance weapons platforms compared to the earlier Project – 15 ships.

Once again, MDL will be using a ‘Pontoon Assisted Launching’ method to launch this vessel in collaboration with Baltisky Zavod of St. Petersburg, Russia. In this method, pontoons are welded to the hull, which will increase buoyancy and will overcome limitation on the launch weight and tidal constraints. This method will be the future of launching process in MDL and give the required flexibility in selection of launching dates, which were hitherto dictated by tidal considerations. Also as we progress towards a modular building concept, it will be possible to launch ships of a much higher weight. INS Chennai will be commissioned into the Navy in August 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Antony said the role of Navy is continuously evolving and changing. “The active role it plays during peacetime – in curbing piracy and defending our coastline from aggressors. As the Navy’s mandate increases, it will have to arm itself with all kinds of vessels”.

Shri Antony said though the Defence Shipyards were performing well, they have to enhance their capability further to meet the stringent and timely requirements of the Armed Forces. He said if necessary, the Government would also involve the shipyards in private sector for building Naval ships.

The Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma asked the Defence Shipyards in the country to brace-up and build vessels at a faster pace to meet the demands of the Indian Navy.

Here is a photograph from Press Information Bureau.

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony and his wife, Smt. Elizabeth Antony waving hands at Mazagon Docks Limited during the launch.

View an interesting video clip: Launch of Indian Navy’s 3rd destroyer INS-Chennai

News Source: Press Information Bureau.

India: Coastal Security Scheme Update

OldSailor — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:45:51 +0000

India is giving the highest priority to fight sea based terrorism and necessary resources are being allotted. On March 10, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Mullappally Ramachandran, in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha presented an update of the comprehensive Coastal Security Scheme being implemented in the nine coastal States and four coastal Union Territories.

Here are some details:

S No	Name of Coastal State/UT	Coastal Police Stations	Vessels	Rubber Inflated Boats	Approved Outlay INR in lakh	Coast Line in KM *
1	Gujarat	10	30	0	5842.60	1600
2	Maharashtra	12	28	0	4092.60	720
3	Goa	3	9	10	1653.50	101
4	Karnataka	5	15	0	2711.90	300
5	Kerala	8	24	0	4356.00	550
6	Tamil Nadu	12	24	0	4408.00	980
7	Andhra Pradesh	6	18	0	3267.00	970
8	Orissa	5	15	0	2765.75	484
9	West Bengal	6	18	0	3353.40	210
10	Puducherry	1	3	0	544.50	96
11	Lakshadweep	4	6	0	936.80	132
12	Daman & Diu	1	4	0	668.35	21
13	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	0	10	0	2603.90	1962
	Total	73	204	10	37204.30	8126

Also on March 16, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Maken in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha has informed that

creation of National Population Register (NPR) for the 3331 coastal villages in 9 Maritime States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal and 4 Union Territories (UTs) of Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry has been undertaken during 2009-10.
the lists of coastal villages were finalized in consultation with the respective States/UTs.
it is planned to provide identity cards to all the usual residents of these villages who are 18 years of age and above.
the field work of direct data collection is in progress and biographic details of more than 89 lakh persons and biometric details of more than 35 lakh have been collected.

Read more as pdf from Press Information Bureau: Implementation of Coastal Security Scheme

* coastline length needs to be verified.

Indian Coast Guard: Vishwast Joins and Vivek Bids Farewell

OldSailor — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:11:02 +0000

The citizens were happy to know that ICGS Vishwast (OPV 30) was formally inducted into Indian Coast Guard on March 17. Within a week after that we came to know that ICGS Vivek at Indira dock of Mumbai port sank in daylight on March 23.

Here are some interesting features of ICGS Vishwast:

‘Vishwast’ means ‘Trustworthy’
the first of the new class of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV – Yard No 1203) indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Ltd.
the only vessel of this class in the world with facilities for Pollution Control, Fire Fighting, Search & Rescue and Patrolling provided in a 90 metre vessel.
was formally commissioned by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri AK Antony at the Goa Shipyard Ltd. on March 17.
90 metres long, propelled by two MTU engines, can cruise at a maximum speed of 26 knots.
has an endurance of 4500 nautical miles.
has an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) equipped with state-of-the art navigation and communication equipment.
also has Platform Management System.
capable of operating a helicopter.
weapon – 30 mm gun.

Here are some photographs of ICGS Vishwast induction ceremony from Goa Shipyard Ltd.

ICGS Vishwast is expected to join Coast Guard Region (East) for deployment.

Here comes the sad story of ICGS Vivek (OPV 38 – commissioned on August 19, 1989):

20 year old vessel was undergoing repairs at Mumbai port through Krasny Marine Services.
the vessel was berthed on March 20 in Berth 10 of Indira Docks and was expected to leave by March 31.
unfortunately on March 23, the vessel sank in the afternoon due to incoming vessel MV Global Purity.
no loss of life was reported.
the reason is being investigated.
meanwhile Sarigumba Sarjeovillas, the captain of the Panamanian vessel Global Purity has been arrested for further action.
it seems that salvaging the ship as a scrap is only possible.

Read more from Indian Express and DNA India.

India: 47th National Maritime Week Celebration Starts

OldSailor — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:38:34 +0000

India celebrates April 05 of the year as National Maritime Day. The celebration goes for a week and 47th National Maritime Week celebration has started with the theme “Seafaring – A Career of Opportunities” as International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has declared this year as “2010: Year of the Seafarer”.

On this occasion Capt.K.Vivekanand, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Vels University, Chennai has stated that in the next five years 1.98 lakh crew members and officers are required to man approximately 50,000 ships sailing around the world (as per estimates).

Here is the press release from Press Information Bureau issued on this occasion:

On the occasion of inauguration of 47th National Maritime Week, the Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan pinned the first Merchant Navy Flag on the wearing apparel of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh. Shri Mukul Roy, Minister of State for Shipping, Shri K. Mohandas, Secretary (Shipping), Capt. PVK Mohan, Chairman, National Shipping Board, Ms. Lakshmi Venkatachalam, Director General of Shipping, Shri S. Hajara, CMD, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. and Shri Abdul Gani Serang, Secretary General, National Union of Seafarers of India were also present on the occasion.

National maritime celebrations are weeklong celebrations, which culminate on 5 of April to commemorate the voyage of the first Indian Ship “S.S. Loyalty” from Mumbai to London on 5 April 1919. The National Maritime Day is celebrated every year on 5 April. The theme for this year is “Seafaring – A Career of Opportunities” which complements International Maritime Organisation’s theme for the year “2010: Year of the Seafarer”.

Historically, the National Welfare Board for Seafarers, a statutory body constituted under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Transport, recommended at its Third Meeting held at Madras on 11th January, 1964 that the 5th April every year be celebrated as the National Maritime Day. It was on 5 April 1919 that the first Indian Steamship “S.S. LOYALTY” of M/s.Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., Mumbai, ventured into international water on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London (UK). Several important maritime countries like U.S.A., Japan and Germany celebrate national Maritime Day.

The principal objective of celebrating the Day is to enable the public to know more intimately about the activities of the Indian Shipping Industry and the important role it plays in the economy of the country. The need for shipping industry and the requirement of seafarers are highlighted in various. Shipping has been called as ‘Silent Service’ as most of the shipping activity takes place away from the land and along with country’s sea borders, i.e. at the ports. In the vast sub-continent of India, the public at large has very limited opportunities to opportunities to observe for themselves the yeoman service rendered by the Indian Shipping for the promotion of the economic well being of the country. The observance of the National Maritime Day has, therefore served in bringing the people closer to the shipping industry and enabling them to participate in the celebrations and to share in the sense of pride and achievement at the rapid strides made by the Indian Shipping during the last five decades since the attainment of independence.

National martime day celebrations are held at all major ports viz. Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa, Visakhapatnam and Cochin and certain other ports like Kandla, Jamnagar, Paradip, Mangalore, Tuticorin, Karwar, etc. It includes laying of wreath at Seamen’s Memorials and pay tributes homage to seamen who laid down their lives while on high seas in 1st and 2nd world wars. On Merchant Navy Flag Day at New Delhi 1st Merchant Navy Flag is pinned on the wearing apparel of the Prime Minister of India by the Minister for Shipping. This practice has been prevalent from 2002 onwards. At the State level on Merchant Navy Flag Day the first Miniature Merchant Navy Flag is pinned on the wearing apparel of the Governor of Maharashtra by the Director General of Shipping in Mumbai.

Here are some photographs from Press Information Bureau.

The Union Minister for Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan pinned the first Merchant Navy Flag on the wearing apparel of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on this occasion at New Delhi on March 29.

The Union Minister for Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan is also presenting a memento to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on this occasion. The Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Mukul Roy, the Secretary (Shipping), Shri K. Mohandas and other dignitaries are also seen.

To know when other countries celebrate their National Maritime Day, read When Nations Celebrate Maritime or Marine or Merchant Marine or Merchant Navy Day ?

News source: Press Information Bureau.

Sri Lanka Navy Facilitates St Antony’s Feast for Indian Fishermen in Kachchativu (Katchatheevu)

OldSailor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:09:42 +0000

This year Indian fishermen attended the Annual Feast of St.Anthony’s church, at the Kachchativu (Katchatheevu) Island on February 27 and 28 as the war on terrorism is over in Sri Lanka. The feast was attended by both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen and devotees. Due to war against terrorism, the feast was not attended by Indian fishermen since 1983. Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lanka Navy coordinated the event successfully.

Some interesting features of this event are:

Kachchativuwhich is located (9°23′ N, 79°32′ E) closer to Indo-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
St Antony’s (Anthoniyar) Church was established in 1905 in Kachchativu. As per the 1974 Treaty between India and Sri Lanka, the Island was ceded to Sri Lanka (by India) ensuring the free access for the pilgrimages from India.
3387 Indian fishermen and devotees left Rameshwaram in 114 boats on February 27.
Local devotees numbering 824 also participated in the feast.

Here is a photograph of the annual feast from Sri Lanka Navy.

Read more from The Times of India and the Sri Lanka Navy (also view more photographs).

Myanmar Navy Chief Vice Admiral Nyan Tun Visits India

OldSailor — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:55:34 +0000

The Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Navy, Vice Admiral Nyan Tun arrived India on February 20 on a five day visit. It may be recalled that Myanmar Navy participated in the recently concluded Milan 2010 hosted by Indian Navy. India also shares border of over 1,600 kilo metres with Myanmar.

Here is a photograph from Press Information Bureau.

Vice Admiral Nyan Tun with the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, in New Delhi on February 22.

View a video clip from Videos From India: Myanmar Navy Chief Nyan Tun inspects Guard of Honour.

Coast WATCH 2010: National Seminar on Coastal Security of India

OldSailor — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:03:58 +0000

A national seminar “Coast WATCH 2010 – Coastal Security of India” was held on February 24 at Seafarer’s Club, Chennai. The seminar enlightened the audience on Coastal Security scenario, its challenges and required responses.

Some interesting features of the seminar are:

Conducted by the Department of Strategic Studies, University of Madras and the National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter.
Coast WATCH focused on Wherewithal, Attitudes, Technology, Coordination, Human resources relating to Coastal Security of India.
The Seminar:
- Inaugural session
  - Welcome Address was given by Prof Dr Gopalji Malviya – Head, Department of Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
  - Keynote Address was given by Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, AVSM, the Commandant, Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
  - Special Address was given by Mr Rajesh Das, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Coastal Security Group, Tamil Nadu.
- Plenary I – Strategy and Policy: Chair – Rear Admiral Venkat Shankar, VSM, CI (Navy), DSSC.
- Plenary II – Functional and Institutional Security: Chair – Commodore S Shekhar, Regional Director, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter.
- Plenary III – Systems and Technology: Chair – Mr R Ramamurthy, President, Cyber Society of India.
The seminar was followed by an Open House: Moderator – Captain H Balakrishnan, Navy Foundation.
Convenors
- Dr S Utham Kumar Jamadhagni, Assistant Professor, Department of Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
- Commander R Venkatesan, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter.

The seminar and the response from the audience highlighted certain thought provoking issues:

During rough seas, sea sickness is bound to affect the performance of marine police as they are not professional seafarers.
Need to recognise the role of fishermen in coastal security and to integrate them in coastal security operations like Territorial Army.
Fully using Customs and Police (as they have informers) intelligence to enhance coastal security.
Using acoustic sensors to detect low flying aircrafts along with coastal radars being installed in light houses.
Use of GenKey’s Biocryptic Identity Management System to identify fishermen at sea with handheld units. This helps to instantly and accurately identify militants entering the coast through sea.
All citizens need to have awareness on security.

However,

developing indigenous nano-satellites by ISRO (like Nanosatellite Tracking of Ships – NTS in Canada) as a long term, cost effective solution for coastal security needs has to be taken up.
developing marine mammals to detect underwater threat as a means to counter threats through underwater and means to identify and eliminate threats from armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones – launched from sea) need to be taken up.

Here are some photographs covering the seminar.

Welcome Address by Prof Dr Gopalji Malviya.

Keynote Address by Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, AVSM.

Special Address by Mr Rajesh Das, IPS.

Plenary I – Strategy and Policy

“Coastal security – Strategic perspectives for securing maritime borders” by Commander A Subramanian and Commander Amitav Mookherjee.

“Developments in coastal security – A Coast Guard perspective” by Commandant S Babu Venkatesh.

Plenary II – Functional and Institutional Security

“Port security” by Capt Shivman Mehta

“Coastal Security Post 26/11: Perceptions and Realities” by Commodore R S Vasan.

“Indian Fishermen Security in the Palk Straits: Issues of livelihood and the Indian State” by Dr Adluri Subramanian Raju, Reader in the Centre for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry.

Plenary III – Systems and Technology

“Exploiting acoustic propagation towards detection and localization of low flying aircraft in the maritime environment” by Subramanian Sadasivan, Scientist – G (retd), ADE, Bangalore.

“Future of Identity Management” by Biren Mahendra Shah, Director, GenKey Inc.,

Mr R Ramamurthy, President, Cyber Society of India.

The Moderator: Capt H Balakrishnan

The audience

The University of Madras and the National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter deserve deep appreciation to organise this national seminar.

Update: February 26

View more photographs of the seminar from – Flickr.

Mapping of the entire Tamil Nadu coastline, from a security perspective is expected to be over in another 10 days. Read more from The Hindu.

Indian Navy: MiG-29K Carrier Borne Aircrafts Join as Black Panthers

OldSailor — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:48:11 +0000

On February 19, MiG-29K aircraft carrier based multi purpose fighter aircrafts have joined the Indian Navy as “Black Panthers”. The induction ceremony was held in the presence of the Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony at INS Hansa, Vasco da Gama, Goa. The ceremony was also attended by a Russian delegation led by Industry and Trade Minister Viktor Khristenko.

The aircrafts would be operating from INS Hansa till the arrival of INS Vikramaditya (expected to be delivered in 2012 by Russia).

Some interesting features of MiG-29K Fulcrum-D carrier-based fighter jets to Indian Navy are:

Russia and India signed a contract in 2004 for the supply of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB by 2009 as part of a $1.5 billion deal to deliver INS Vikramaditya to Indian Navy (ex Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier being refitted in Russia)
- the contract also has an option to supply additional 30 fighters by 2015.
- the contract for the jets also include the procurement of hardware for pilot training and aircraft maintenance, flight simulators and interactive ground and sea-based training systems.
In September 2008, Indian Navy’s pilots commenced their five-month training course for MiG-29K in Russia.
First supply of two MiG-29K and two MiG-29KUB fighters in a knocked down condition reached India in December 2009.
The aircraft
- 15% of the aircraft uses composite materials
- has folding wings to suit carrier based operations.
- has substantially reduced radar signature.
- has Digital-Fly-By-Wire (DFBW) control system with multiple redundancy system.
- belongs to generation: 4++
- the pilot’s helmet is equipped with advanced features permitting the pilot to shoot a target by merely looking at it.

Here are some photographs from Press Information Bureau.

A crest of MIG-29K aircraft being presented to the Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma.

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony in cockpit of MIG-29K.

Formation Flying: 2 MIG-29K and 1 Sea Harrier during Induction Ceremony.

Group photo: The Defence Minister – Shri A. K. Antony, Chief of Naval Staff – Admiral Nirmal Verma, Defence Secretary – Shri Pradeep Kumar and Secretary, Defence Production – Shri Raj Kumar Singh with MIG-29K team.

View a video clip: Indian Navy’s new fighter jet, MiG-29K

View big pictures from Press Information Bureau. Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4.

Read more from Press Information Bureau and RIA Novosti.

Indian Navy: Fleet Tanker INS Deepak Launched in Italy

OldSailor — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:37:00 +0000

INS Deepak (Yard 6186), the first of the two Fleet Tankers being constructed by M/s Fincantieri Shipyard, Italy, was launched on February 12, at Muggiano. The double hulled tanker is expected to commence trials in April. Commissioning of the vessel is scheduled in India by end 2010.

The vessel was launched by Mrs Farida Khan, wife of the ambassador, His Excellency Shri Arif S. Khan, the Indian Ambassador in Rome.

Some interesting features of INS Deepak (photograph of INS Deepak from Shippingonline) are:

175 metres long, 25 wide and 19 high.
has a displacement at full load of 27,500 tonnes.
has propulsion system powered by two 10,000 kW diesel engines, shaft with adjustable pitch propellers.
can reach maximum speed of 20 knots.
has a flight deck for medium weight helicopters (up to 10 tons).
has maximum capacity of is 250 including crew and additional forces.
equipped to refuel four vessels at the same time.

Here is a photograph from Press Information Bureau.

The Indian Ambassador Shri Arif S. Khan, chief guest addressing the gathering during the launch of fleet tanker INS Deepak, at Muggiano, Italy.

Read more from press releases: Press Information Bureau and Fincantieri.

India: Coast Guard Day 2010

OldSailor — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:25:56 +0000

Indian Coast Guard observes Coast Guard Day every year on February 01, signifying the formation of Indian Coast Guard on February 01, 1977. To mark this occasion, this year at Chennai the Coast Guard Region East has conducted exercises off Chennai.

A Coast Guard Ball is also going to be held at Le Royal Meridien, Chennai on February 13.

Indian Coast Guard has its Head Quarters at New Delhi. Vast coast line of approximately 7500 km is guarded by the following four Coast Guard Regions:

Coast Guard Region West,with Regional Head Quarters at Mumbai
Coast Guard Region East,with Regional Head Quarters at Chennai
Coast Guard Region Andaman & Nicobar islands,with Regional Head Quarters at Port Blair
Coast Guard Region North West, with Regional Head Quarters at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat (newly formed in 2009)

Here are some photographs of the exercise released by Press Information Bureau.

Chetak Helicopter of the Indian Coast Guard on splash target firing during the exercise.

Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft dropping the Life Raft during the exercise.

View the big pictures from Press Information Bureau: Chetak Helicopter, Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft.

View a video clip from Videos From India: Indian Coast Guard tightens scrutiny to counter sea attacks

Indian Navy Hosts Milan 2010

OldSailor — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:19:57 +0000

Indian Navy’s Milan 2010 a biennial meeting of navies from the Indian Ocean region/Asia-Pacific region commenced on February 05 at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The four day event is being participated by 12 navies from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam.

On this occasion, an international seminar on "Navies in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations" was also held on February 05.

Here is a photograph from Press Information Bureau.

Participants of the International Seminar on "Navies in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations" with the Lt. Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Bhopender Singh and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma.

View the big picture from Press Information Bureau.

View a video clip from NDTV: Indian Navy hosts 7th ‘Milan’ meet

Pakistan Navy: PNS Shamsheer Joins Fleet

OldSailor — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:58:48 +0000

PNS Shamsheer has now joined the Pakistan Navy fleet.

PNS Shamsheer (F 252), type F22P frigate built by China, was commissioned on December 19 at Shanghai. Before reaching Pakistan, the frigate visited Colombo on January 16. Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy visited PNS Shamsheer and was warmly received by the Commanding Officer Captain Neimatullah.

Here are some photographs.

Commissioning of PNS Shamsheer at Shanghai, China. (Photograph taken from Pakistan Navy News Vol 23, December 2009)

PNS Shamseer at Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photograph from Sri Lanka Navy)

Meanwhile, indigenous construction of first F22P frigate (with Chinese assistance) has started in Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. Keel laying ceremony was held in December 2009. Construction is expected to be completed in 2013.

View a video clip: Pakistan Navy – Keel laying ceremony of F22P Frigate at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works

Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 409 Crashed in Mediterranean Sea

OldSailor — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:17:31 +0000

Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane flight ET- 409 with 90 people on board crashed into the Mediterranean Sea about two kilo metres from the sea shore shortly after take-off from Beirut airport on January 25. Eye witnesses report that the aircraft crashed into the sea as a ball of fire. Nobody has survived and rescue operations are going on to recover the dead. Divers are trying to recover the black box of the aircraft.

The aircraft Boeing 737-800 with registration number ET-ANB involved in the accident had undergone regular maintenance service last on December 25, 2009 and was declared safe and fit to fly. The pilot of flight ET409 had over 20 years of experience in flying various aircrafts over the expanded network of the airline.

Some disturbing reports available regarding the crash are:

Ethiopian flight ET- 409 bound for Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) lost contact with the Lebanese air controllers shortly after take off from Beirut (Lebanon). The flight departed at 02:35 Lebanese time from Beirut International Airport.
Aircraft carried 82 passengers and 8 Ethiopian Crew members. Out of the total passengers 23 are Ethiopian, 51 Lebanese, 1 Turkish, 1 French, 2 British, 1 Russian, 1 Canadian, 1 Syrian, 1 Iraqi nationals.
A team comprising of 14 people from Ethiopian’s Safety & Emergency Response department, Medical Unit, Flight Operations, Maintenance & Engineering, the Ethiopian Civil Aviation and Ethiopian’s Chief Airline Security office has reached Beirut to provide additional support to the team in Beirut.
The Lebanese Government is providing all support for the rescue operations carried out by Ministry of Transport including Lebanese Navy and the UN peace keeping force in the region.
A team of Aircraft Accident Handling and Crisis Management experts will be traveling to Beirut from London. The team consisting of 8 people from BLAKE Emergency services is proceeding from London to Beirut to assist with the rescue mission and establish a family assistance center to help the families.

Here are the specifications of Boeing 737-800/900.

View a video clip: ‘No survivors’ in Lebanon crash.

For more information regarding the rescue operations, log on to Ethiopian – Press Releases.

Update: January 26

Two BEA investigators are traveling to Beirut to assist the Lebanese authorities. Read more from BEA, France.

Indian Navy: INS Shivalik in Republic Day Parade 2010

OldSailor — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:27:33 +0000

A model of INS Shivalik is part of the tableau of Indian Navy to be displayed during the Republic Day Parade – 2010, at New Delhi on January 26. INS Shivalik (F 47) is getting ready for commissioning in a few months.

Here is the photograph from Press Information Bureau, taken during the full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day Parade-2010, in New Delhi on January 23.

View the big picture from Press Information Bureau.

Israel Navy: Vice Admiral Elizer Marom Visits India

OldSailor — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:55:30 +0000

Commander in Chief of Israel Navy, Vice Admiral Elizer Marom came on a three day visit to India on January 19.

He completed the IDF Naval Officers Course in 1975. He has further completed: Israel Navy’s Advanced Command Course, U.S. Navy Senior International Defense Management Program, MBA in Social Sciences. He became Commander in Chief of Israel Navy in 2007.

He had discussions with Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff in New Delhi on January 19.
Here is a photograph of his visit from Press Information Bureau.

View also the Admiral paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, in New Delhi from Press Information Bureau.

View a video clip from Videos From India: Israel Navy chief seeks to expand strategic military ties with India

Weekend View: Mystery Behind the Death of Neha Chhikara at Sea

OldSailor — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:51:18 +0000

Here is the tragic story on the death of 23 year old Neha Chhikara, who was reported missing from Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship Monarch of the Seas on December 31, 2009 near the Bahamas in the Atlantic on New Year’s Eve.

More disturbing information available are:

Neha Chhikara, a former air hostess was the wife of Ankit Dalal, a crewmember of the same cruise ship.
Later it was found from the vessel’s security camera footage that she jumped overboard from the 11th deck of the vessel.
Indian press reports that
- the reason for her death as dowry harassment by Ankit Dalal who married her in 2008.
- few hours before going overboard, she had sent an e-mail to her brother Anuj Chhikara in India that reads: “Ankit has been beating me up every day… I have lost the strength to live and am very depressed. I do not think he wants me to work on this ship. He has threatened me that he would get my appointment cancelled… I am under extreme torture…”
U.S Coast Guard launched a search operation by deploying their aircrafts and Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant but she could not be located.
Ankit Dalal reported about her disappearance only after nine hours of the incident, a possible reason for the unsuccessful search operations.

View a video clip (Audio in Hindi): Air Hostess commits suicide, family says she was tortured by husband

Read more from Indian Express and The Times of India.

Weekend View: President of India Visits INS Viraat

OldSailor — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 13:49:14 +0000

Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India, the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces visited INS Viraat, aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy on December 23.

Here are some photographs of the visit from President of India’s website.

View a video clip (Audio in Hindi): President Pratibha Patil on board INS Viraat

Christmas Day at Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz

OldSailor — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:02:11 +0000

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) aircraft carrier, part of U.S. 5th Fleet carried out aircraft operations with Lt. Jon Sunderland dressed in a Santa suite on Christmas Day.

Here is an interesting photograph from U.S Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil/Released.

Here is another photograph from U.S Navy showing how sailors of USS Nimitz sort through 34,400 pounds of mail delivered on Christmas Eve. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil/Released.

To view the big picture, log on to U.S. Navy. Photo 1, Photo 2.

Sri Lanka Takes Over LTTE Arms Ship MV Princess Chrisanta

OldSailor — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:59:07 +0000

MV Princess Chrisanta, the vessel used by LTTE for arms smuggling and human trafficking was taken over by Sri Lanka three weeks back and was brought to Colombo Port by Sri Lanka Navy on December 21. The vessel was successfully brought from a foreign country to Colombo Port by Sri Lanka Navy Captain DKP Dassanayaka and his team.

It is further reported that the vessel was seized on the basis of the information provided by LTTE chief arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanthan alias KP who is in the custody of the Sri Lankan authorities.

Some interesting features of MV Princess Chrisanta are:

Vessel specifications:
- IMO No: 8129931
- Call Sign: 3EOO9
- Type of ship: General Cargo Ship
- Length: 89 metres
- DWT: 4870
- Year of build: 1981
- Flag: Panama
It is believed that a light helicopter launched from this vessel could have involved in an attempt to evacuate LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran before the army trapped him on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon in May 2009.

View a video clip: LTTE ship Princess Chrisanta brought to Colombo 21-12-09

The above photograph is from MOD Sri Lanka. Read and view more photographs from MOD Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Navy.

Turkey: Admiral Esref Ugur Yigit Visits India

OldSailor — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:22:44 +0000

Admiral Esref Ugur Yigit took over as the Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces on August 30. He is on visit to India this week.
Here is a photograph of his visit to India from Press Information Bureau.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma presenting memento to the Commander of Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Ugur Yigit, in New Delhi on December 15, 2009.

More photographs are at Press Information Bureau – Photo 1, Photo 2.

View an interesting video clip: Turkish Navy.

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