VASCO
President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday awarded the President's Colour to the Indian Naval Aviation in recognition of the yeomen service rendered by the Naval Aviation over the years.
The President's Colour, which is the highest honour awarded to a military unit in recognition of its remarkable service to the country, was bestowed to the Naval Aviation in a ceremonial parade at the INS Hansa in Dabolim.
Among those present at the ceremony included Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik, Minister for Protocol Mauvin Godinho, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, and other senior officers of the State, central government and naval officers.
On the occasion, aircraft of the Indian Navy comprising the Chetak, ALH, Kamov 31, Seaking, Hawk, LCA, IL38 SD, P8I and MiG carried out a flypast in honour of the President, who was also accorded a salute with 21 guns and a 150-men Guard of Honour at the ceremonial parade.
The President's Colour consists of a 36x48 inch white ensign with the National flag in the canton and the State emblem embroidered in gold at the centre. The elephant signifying strength is placed in the canton diagonally opposite the National flag.
On the occasion, a Special Day Cover was released by President Kovind and Chief Post Master General, Maharashtra and Goa Circle. The book 'Fly Navy, Fly' depicting the transformation of Indian Naval Aviation from a humble beginning to a formidable air power was also released during the event.
The Indian Naval Aviation came into being with acquisition of the first 'Sealand' aircraft on January 13, 1951 and commissioning of INS Garuda, at Kochi on May 11, 1953. Today, the Naval Aviation boasts of nine Air Stations and three Naval Air Enclaves, along the Indian coastline and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Over the past seven decades, it has transformed into a modern, technologically advanced and highly potent force, with more than 250 aircraft comprising Fighters, Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, Helicopters and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The Naval Aviation is capable of undertaking missions along the entire gamut of military operations and is considered a vital component of the main roles of Indian Navy - Military, Diplomatic, Constabulary and Benign.
