Vishakapatnam, June 30: INS Cankarso and INS Kondul, the fifth and sixth in a a series of water jet propelled fast attack craft of the Indian Navy were commissioned by Governor ESL Narasimhan here today. The ships, measuring 50 metres in length and displacing 325 tonnes of water, can achieve a speed in excess of 30 knots. They have a complement of four officers and 45 sailors.
Built for extended coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol with advanced MTU engines and latest communication sets, they will be based at Goa and operate under the flag officer, Goa Area, to further augment the west coast security.
After commissioning the two naval ships, the governor said the ships would provide the muchneeded coastal security cover against sea-borne threats and enhance the coastal security of capabilities of the navy.
On his arrival the governor was received by Eastern Naval Command chief vice-admiral Anup Singh and was presented a 50-man guard before being introduced to the ship’s officers and sailors.
Chairman and Mmnaging director of Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers Limited and former rear admiral KC Sekhar delivered the inaugural address and viceadmiral Anup Singh the keynote address.
Lt Commanders Arun Bahuguna and Shasidhar R Patil, the commanding officers of INS Cankarso and INS Kondul respectively, read out the commissioning warrants.
It was followed by hoisting of the naval ensign onboard for the first time and breaking of the commissioning pennant with the national anthem being played to mark the completion of the commissioning ceremony.
Flag officer, Goa Naval Area, rear admiral Sudhir Pillai, other flag officers, commanding officers and senior officers of various ships and naval establishments of the command were present.
—Agencies