KOCHI: The Southern Command on Sunday conducted demonstration of its operational capabilities in Kochi as part of the Navy Day celebrations. The entire spectrum of naval operational activities was part of the demonstration. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was the chief guest.Hundreds of residents turned out for the display. The demonstration began with a fly past by various Navy aircraft including the giant TU-142 aircraft from Chennai and the IL-38 from Goa. The Marine Commandos (MARCOS) carried out a simulated beach reconnaissance and assault with the leader of the team coming ashore in his combat rig to deliver the programme brochure to the chief guest.A demonstration of water sports including water-skiing and jet-skiing followed. Then, enthralling the viewers, the Indian Navy Sky Diving team swooped down from a Sea King helicopter. They also demonstrated a VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seize) operation where the commandos in fast rigid inflatable boats surrounded a simulated hostile vessel and overpowered it.Helicopter demonstrations included the Sea King helicopter flying past the crowd with an Ambassador car slung on it showing its lift capacity. The marine commandos also showcased a STIE (small team insertion and extraction) operation where they were dropped and withdrawn from a hostile area. Helobatics and other manoeuvres by two Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) was another attraction.A Chetak helicopter of the Indian Coast Guard demonstrated landing on the helicopter deck of the missile corvette - INS Karmuk. The work horse of the Indian Navy - the chetak helicopter - also demonstrated its versatile search and rescue capabilities. The Marine Commandos’ demonstration of a bayonet charge brought to focus their raw energy and menacing, destructive power. The commandos’ simulated clandestine attack on an enemy offshore installation and its destruction gave the viewers an explosive spectacle. INS Kabra, INS Kalpeni and two Indian Coast Guard Interceptor boats demonstrated their manoeuvring skills by turning on the spot several times in the restricted waters of Kochi channel. The fly past of all participating aircraft of the Navy and Coast Guard in Tango formation, symbolising ‘Thank You’, was received with applause. Vice -dmiral K N Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command, handed over Navy’s memento to the Chief Minister.
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