INS Mormugao is the second ship of P15 B class of Destroyers and was commissioned into Indian Navy on 18 Dec 2022 in presence of Hon'ble RakshaMantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The warship derives her name from the eponymous port city of Mormugao and adds yet another dimension to wide-ranging connections that Indian Navy shares with the state of Goa. The date of ship's commissioning is of historic significance, as it marks the D Day of OpVijay in 1961, which liberated Goa. Towards further cementing this association between the ship and the State, a 30ft model of the ship was unveiled at Goa by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant on 18 Dec 2023, which is also the first commissioning anniversary of INS Mormugao. The model is planned to be placed at Vascocity and will enable continuing to connect with local populace, while also kindling maritime consciousness among citizens. The naming of ships after ports is an enduring Naval tradition. Mormugao port; by its geographical position and privilege of being one of the most gifted natural harbours of peninsular India; has played a pivotal role in India's Maritime History and developments along Konkancoast. Naming of a lethal destroyer of Indian Navy after the port of Mormugao acknowledges these contributions, and also marks a befitting tribute to nautical connections between historic city of Goa and Indian Navy. Apart from Indian Navy playing a crucial role in liberation of Goa, Navy has had a close association with Goa, being home base for NavalAviation; Hydrographic training and NWC among others. It is pertinent to highlight that Mormugao had sailed for its maiden sortie on 19 Dec 2021 coinciding with Diamond Jubilee of Goa's liberation, in which Indian Navy played a seminal role. The unveiling of ship model of INS Mormugao at Goa, would serve to deepen involvement, ownership and kinship among populace and administration of Goa with Indian Navy and enhance understanding of India's maritime prowess.
