Indian Defence Review

Rear Admiral RB Pandit awarding the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command trophy to Lt Nandu Mohandas Nair for ‘Best in Flying’

Twelve Officers of the Indian Navy and three officers of the Indian Coast Guard of the 81st Permanent Commission and 12th Short Service Commission courses graduated as Observers of the ‘Air’ arm of the Navy and Coast Guard and were awarded the ‘Wings’ by Rear Admiral RB Pandit, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command at an impressive ceremonial passing out parade, held on 21 Aug 15 at INS Garuda, the Naval Air Station at Kochi.

During the 46 week course, the Officers were trained in Tactics employed in Air Warfare, Anti Submarine Warfare and the exploitation of Tactical systems in addition to the basic training in Air Navigation and flying procedures. These officers would function as ‘Airborne Tacticians’ onboard Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the Navy.

Asst Comdt Partik Bardhan from the Coast Guard was awarded the Uttar Pradesh trophy and SLt RV Kunte Memorial Book Prize on being adjudged ‘First in the Overall Order of Merit’ and ‘Best in Ground Subjects’ respectively while Lt Nandu Mohandas Nair was awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command trophy for being ‘Best in Flying’ for the 81st Course.

In the 12th SSC Observer course, Slt Sandhya Tiwari was awarded the Book Prizes for ‘Best in Over All Order of Merit’ and ‘Best in Ground Subjects’ while Slt Aakriti Mehta was awarded Book Prize for ‘Best in Flying’.

Addressing the parade after presenting the trophies, the Admiral congratulated the graduating officers and the award winners. He reiterated that India being a maritime country with over 80% of its trade through the sea, it is only natural that the security of the oceans rests with the Indian Navy and the young passing out “Observers” would play a significant role in fulfilling them. He reminded them of their responsibility towards the Fleet Air Arm, the Navy, and above all towards the nation.

The parade was conducted by Commodore MMS Shergill, Commanding Officer, INS Garuda. The passing out officers were trained at Observer School, commanded by Captain Arupananda Ghosh.