Mumbai, first published June 1, 2022, 9:40 PM IST
New Delhi: After serving the nation for 32 years, the Indian Navy will bid farewell to its two ships INS Nishank and INS Akshay, at the Mumbai shipyard on June 3. These ships have been at the forefront of safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.
Both ships were inducted into the Poti shipyard of the former Soviet Union and present-day Georgia in the 1990s in freezing temperatures and will retire in the tropical weather of Mumbai.
According to an Indian Navy officer, the retirement of these two vessels after more than three decades of service will be a moment filled with emotions and nostalgia for all former crew members.
“All sailors carry the name of their ships as their own identity. Home to many warriors of the sea, these ships will always remain a source of honor and pride,” he said.
Also read: The navy is the most prized symbol of India; the hinterland should take note
Let’s take a closer look at INS Nishank and INS Akshay:
INS Nishank is the fourth of the Veer Class Missile Corvette and an integral part of the Killer Squadron renowned for its heroism during the 1971 war.
Equipped with a powerful surface-to-surface missile capable of striking fear into the hearts of the enemy, the ship operated on both the east and west coasts.
Additionally, the ship is also armed with medium and short range cannons and chaff shooters.
According to Indian Navy spokesman, Commander Vivek Madhwal, Nishank’s journey is not over yet. It has been designated for display as a wartime relic in appropriate historic locations.
“Nishank will continue to inspire our future generations to be part of our glorious past and bright future, showcasing the power of the Indian Navy,” he said.
Nishank has a displacement of 500 tons, a length of 56 meters, a beam of 10 meters and a speed of 35 knots.
It was manned by a crew of seven officers and 90 sailors.
The ship has been used to fulfill roles such as coastal patrol, maritime surveillance and surface warfare.
INS Akshay
It is part of the 23rd Patrol Vessel Squadron, whose primary role is anti-submarine warfare and coastal patrol.
The ship operated under the naval officer in charge, Maharashtra.
With its formidable armament of long-range torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets, the submarine hunter was constantly on patrol to keep enemy submarines at bay.
Akshay has a displacement of 485 tons, a length of 56 meters, a width of 10.2 meters and a speed of 28 knots.
According to the Indian Navy, these two vessels have been forward deployed many times during heightened security situations—-Op Talwar during the Kargil War in 1999, OP Parakram in 2001 and after the Uri attack in 2017, now strict supervision in an offer to give an appropriate response to the opponent.
Also Read: The Navy Just Launched One of Its Biggest Destroyers, INS Surat
Attendees
The guest of honor at the event would be VAdm RK Pattnaik (Retd) and VAdm SPS Cheema (Retd), Commanding Officer INS Akshay and Commanding Officer INS Nishank, respectively, the very first men to take these war machines. at the sea.
Indian Navy Chief Adm R Hari Kumar, Commanding Chief Officer Western Naval Command Vam AB Singh and Chief Commanding Officer Eastern Naval Command VAdm Biswajit Dasgupta will also be present during the ‘event.
Veterans who had served on these two ships will also attend the dismantling ceremony.
Last updated June 1, 2022, 9:40 PM IST
