Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on 04 Dec every year to commemorate the devastating attack on Karachi harbour on the night of 04 Dec 1971 during Indo-Pak war. Missile boats of Indian Navy supported by other Naval ships undertook this daring attack and destroyed a number of Pakistan Navy ships and decimated the fuel reserves and ammunition stocks stored in Karachi harbour. VAdm MA Hampiholi, FOCINC SNC addressed members of media at Navy Day Press Conference onboard 1TS ship, INS Tir at Kochi on 02 Dec 2023. CINC in his opening address spoke about Navy's robust maritime security mechanism which is fully equipped and always prepared to deal with any eventuality at sea. He highlighted extensive deployment of ships and aircraft of SNC for a variety of operational missions across IOR engaging in professional interactions, training exchanges, maritime partnership exercises, community interaction programme, building bridgesoffriendship with foreign Navies. He also spoke about Navy's crucial role as 'Preferred Security Partner' in capacity building and capability enhancement of friendly maritime nations by training their personnel, providing them equipment and rendering a helping hand in times of need in line with Hon’ble PM's vision of SAGAR. CINC provided an overview of multi-faceted training activities and initiatives undertaken by SNC as Training Command. Around 20,000 foreign personnel from over 47 foreign countries have been trained over the years. In 2022-23, international trainees from 39 countries have undergone training at 26 Naval training schools, thereby emerging as preferred training destination for FFC. He underscored the significant milestones achieved by indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant post commissioning, SNC's contribution towards multiple SAR efforts and assistance during contingencies to civil administration. On completion of inaugural address, CINC clarified queries on various subjects and aspects raised by media personnel. The event provided a platform of interaction and sharing of information with media on occasion of Navy Day 23.
