ENC chief reviews operational readiness of Eastern Fleet

Visakhapatnam The multi-dimensional warfare capabilities and operational readiness of the Eastern Fleet was reviewed by the top officials of the Navy led by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC).

Eastern Fleet has been at the forefront in safeguarding maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. The Fleet has maintained a high operational tempo throughout the ongoing COVID pandemic. Eastern Fleet ships have also played a crucial role during the COVID second wave, undertaking transhipment of essential medical supplies as part of Op Samudra Setu II. These efforts have contributed to India's emergence as the 'preferred security partner' in the region.

The Vice Admiral embarked the Eastern Fleet, the Sword Arm of the ENC and witnessed the operational readiness at sea on Thursday, the Navy announced on Friday. The Commander-in-Chief was received onboard by Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet on the flagship, INS Shivalik. Drills against small boat swarm attacks, anti-aircraft weapon firings, anti-submarine drills, seamanship evolutions and fleet maneuvers were conducted to demonstrate the multi-dimensional warfare capabilities of the Eastern Fleet. The C-in-C interacted with the personnel onboard and emphasized the need to maintain constant vigil considering the evolving security scenario in the maritime domain.