INAS 339 was commissioned by V Adm SK Jain PVSM, AVSM, NM on 23 Nov 90 at INS Kunjali, Mumbai. Cdr SV Purohit was the commissioning Squadron Commander of the squadron. The squadron initially operated Sea King helicopters but changed over to Kamov 28s in Mar 93. The squadron, thereafter, shifted base to INS Hansa, Goa.
Kamov 31 Helicopter
The Falcons inducted the Kamov 31 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft in 2003 along with the induction of the Talwar (Krivak-II) Class frigates from Russia, which has understandably given them the status of Navy’s ‘Eyes in the Skies’. INAS 339 operated both the KV 28 and KM 31 helicopters till May 09. Thereafter, the KV 28 were rebased to INAS 333 in Vizag as replacement of the decommissioned KA 25s
