INS Sutlej ‘Best Ship’, INS Sarvekshak ‘Most Spirited Ship’.

INS Sutlej was adjudged the ‘Best Ship’, while INS Sarvekshak was rated the ‘Most Spirited Ship’ at the Southern Naval Command Afloat Award Function held at the Kochi Naval Base. The function held annually acknowledges the operational readiness and combat efficiency of SNC ships in various aspects of maritime operations.

INS Sutlej (J17) – is a hydrographic survey ship of the Sandhayak class in the Indian Navy, under the Southern Naval Command. Like other ships of the same class, this ship is also equipped with an Operating Theatre and associated equipment needed to attend to medical emergencies at sea. The ship was built by Goa Shipyard Limited and commissioned into the Naval service at the Kochi naval base. The Sutlej is equipped with a range of surveying, navigational, and communication systems. The next-generation surveying systems provided on board include the multi-beam swath echo sounding system, differential global positioning system, motion sensors, sea gravimeter, magnetometer oceanographic sensors, side scan sonars, and an automated data logging system. These are designed to meet the stringent international/ISO 9002 digital survey accuracy standards required for the production of electronic navigation charts and publications.

INS Sarvekshak (J22) – is a hydrographic survey ship in the Indian Navy, under the Southern Naval Command. Apart from a helicopter and Bofors 40 mm gun, the ship is also equipped with four survey motor boats, two small boats. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited and commissioned into the Naval service at Kochi naval base in 2002, Sarvekshak is the Indian Navy’s eight hydrographic survey and perhaps the last ship under Sandhayak class to have been indigenously designed and constructed.

INS Sarvekshak is equipped with a range of surveying, navigational, and communication systems. The next-generation surveying systems provided onboard include multi-beam swath echo sounding system, differential global positioning system, motion sensors, sea gravimeter, magnetometer, oceanographic sensors, side scan sonars and an automated data logging system as well as state-of-the-art Digital Survey and Processing System, sound velocity profiling system among others. These systems allow the ship to meet the stringent international/ISO 9002 digital survey accuracy standards required for the production of electronic navigation charts and publications as laid down by the International Hydrographic Organisation.

Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command was the Chief Guest. During the event, report of activities and achievements of SNC afloat units for the past one year was presented.

Besides being engaged in training deployments, the ships of SNC have been at the forefront of operational activities ranging from Surveillance, Anti-Narcotics Operations, SAR Ops and Hydrographic operations. The SNC ships also participated in various bilateral and multilateral exercises enhancing maritime cooperation and training collaboration.

Reflecting the vision of Mahasagar, IOS Sagar strengthened maritime bonds and capacity building during month long deployment to SW IOR. Participation in AIKEYME-25, IFR 25 and multinational exercise KOMODO 25 reaffirmed Indian Navy’s commitment to building stronger ties and continued engagement with maritime neighbours.

Various trophies for outstanding performance in other dimensions of maritime operations were also awarded. The event witnessed a spirited and talented cultural programme presented by the personnel of SNC ships.

FOCINC South complimented the SNC afloat crew for their relentless efforts and crucial role in shaping Indian Navy as a combat ready, credible, cohesive and future ready force safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere. “FOCINC South” refers to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, currently held by Vice Admiral V. Srinivas.

Team Maverick