INA to augment intake of cadets in Phase-II expansion plans

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Arihant’s maiden sea sortie shortly; stringent safety audits to curb accidents: Admiral Dhowan

By Anantha Krishnan M

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Ezhimala (Kerala), Dec 1: The Indian Navy’s future cruise will be guided by a perspective plan mapped to perfection after taking into account factors like threat perception, technological needs, likely environment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and India’s state as a maritime nation.

In an exclusive interview to OneIndia, ahead of the Navy Day on December 4, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan said that the Indian Navy’s structured phase of transformation has received a boost with the launch of the dedicated satellite -- Rukmini -- last year.

The country’s maiden dedicated military satellite Rukmini (GSAT-7) was launched by the Arianespace from French Guiana in April 2013, giving Indian Navy more teeth for its missions in the IOR.

“Currently ships, submarines and aircraft are being inducted into the Navy at regular intervals. We have gone multi-dimensional and the Rukmini satellite has ensured that the Navy will have an operational network footprint in the IOR,” Admiral Dhowan told OneIndia during his recent visit to the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala (Kerala).

LCA Navy delay is a matter of concern: Admiral Dhowan said that the delay in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy programme has been taken up seriously. “It’s an important programme for us and we have the IAC (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier) in Kochi getting ready and the SBTF (Shore Based Test Facility) waiting for LCA Navy. It’s important that the programme is speeded up,” he said.

He said the Navy was monitoring the progress of the project closely. “We have conveyed our concerns to the agencies concerned. We hope to start the trials of LCA Navy at SBTF at the earliest. The delay has been a cause of concern. We have also conveyed our concern to the Ministry of Defence and the defence production officials,” he said.

More roles for ALHs; aviation arm on a threshold: He said for the Navy is looking for additional ALHs for enhanced maritime operations in the IOR. To a specific query whether the Navy would go for weaponised versions of ALH, the Navy Chief said: “Our requirements are different. Now we are using them for SAR (search and rescue) operations and as a utility copter. In future, we want the ALHs for shallow water ASW (anti-submarine warfare) requirements. So we hope to get the best ALHs.”

He said the naval aviation is on a threshold with the induction of new assets. “We have the MiG 29 Ks (both fighter and trainer) flying onboard INS Vikramaditya. More MiG 29Ks will be inducted soon to consolidate their operational process from an aircraft carrier. We have inducted six P8-Is at Rajali and two more will join to complete the first slot. We have a case in progress to explore the option clause for four more,” he said. 

He said the rotary UAV programme undertaken by the DRDO has been very slow. “We have taken note of the delay in the project. We have given lots of impetus to the project in the last two years. We have laid down stringent timelines and conveyed the same to DRDO for an early solution. We have seen some progress on this front now,” the Admiral said. He said the Navy’s relationship with DRDO is that of a synergy.

Arihant’s first sea sortie shortly: The Navy Chief said that all efforts have been made to ensure that the operational submarines are fully operational and combat-ready. “We are also undertaking an aspect related to the service life extension of these submarines so that we can give them longer lease of life,” he said.

“We took stock of the ongoing submarine construction ‘Project 75’ programme (Scorpene) at the Mazagon Dockyards Limited. We have given a deadline of September 2016 for the first submarine to come out, followed by five more,” he added. The Navy Chief said that India’s nuclear submarine Arihant will have its first sea sortie shortly soon after its harbour trials. 

Quality control at dockyards made stringent: When asked about the growing number of accidents being reported in the Navy during the last one year, the Navy Chief said that if the procedures are not followed with alacrity, accidents do happen.

"Navy is a highly professional service driven by technology advancements. For every action carried out onboard our assets we need to strictly follow all the procedures. When we don’t follow them, there will be room for errors leading to accidents,” he said.

Saying that 50 per cent of naval ships are almost 20 years old, he said safety procedures cannot be overlooked even once.

“The lifespan of a ship or submarine is around 30-35 years. It’s not easy to operate on a submarine or a ship while we work in a very challenging environment. When we have older ships we have to be extra careful while maintaining them. Nobody would like accidents to happen. Our sailors and officers spent sleepless nights so that our citizens can sleep in peace. All measures have been taken, including safety audits, to ensure that accidents can be minimized,” the Navy Chief said.

He said the material failure is an aspect related to maintenance. “There are many agencies involved at our dockyards. The quality control at our dockyards has been made stringent,” he said.

Manpower induction and development of infrastructure key: He said the Navy is gearing up to add more manpower with more assets being inducted on a regular basis. “Man power development and development of infrastructure are two key factors for the Indian Navy now. Since we are inducting more ships, submarines and aircraft, we are focusing more on the human resources now. The INA is the cradle for human resources development of officers and it has to cater to the enhanced rate of induction. We have set our sight on the Phase-II expansion of INA now,” Admiral Dhowan said.

He said the Phase-II will take into account the living accommodation, training facilities, classrooms, sports facilities sound education and training. “We would want INA to impart the highest quality of training available,” he said.

‘A salute to remember’ photo inspires the Chief: The Navy Chief expressed his happiness over the photograph of a special child saluting with the title ‘A salute to remember’ going viral on the social media. "I am touched by this photo. Indian Navy needs more such inspiring moments. Glad you could capture this. An inspiring image for the Indian Navy when we are heading for Navy Day celebrations," the Chief told OneIndia. 

The photo was captured by this writer outside the INA main gate on November 28. It was a mere coincidence that OneIndia was present while Sandeep (a special child) was saluting Rajeev (of the Naval Police). Sandeep is a student of Sneha Nilaya Special School, Kaakanaadu (Kochi) and had visited the INA along with other children as part of Indian Navy's outreach programme.

The Chief also said that the Navy would become more visible on social media platforms. “We are looking at the pros and cons on taking to the social media. We would certainly want better visibility,” Admiral Dhowan said.

Copyright@OneIndia

#MissionINA | Sunset @ INA Ezhimala

#MissionINA-2 | Scripted in Jammu, executed at INA: A story of friendship, passion & achievement

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This is a story of friendship, passion and commitment to serve the nation. The storyline is set against the picturesque settings of the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala. It is also the story of two village boys near Jammu, who have now transformed into gentlemen officers and all set to receive their stripes from the Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan during the Autumn Term 2014 Passing out Parade (PoP) on November 29. OneIndia interviewed both officers in the presence of their parents, on the eve of their much-awaited PoP.

Meet Academy Cadet Captain Ankush Jasrotia and Academy Cadet Adjutant Rajinder Singh. Their friendship blossomed at a tuition class in a Kathua village near Jammu. "We both wanted to join the Navy. I joined the Navy in 2007 as an artificer apprentice. I was posted to INS Tarangani in Mumbai in 2009. But, I always dreamt of becoming an officer," says Ankush . He said after meeting Rajinder at their tuition centre in Kathua village, he knew there was something common among both friends.

Full report on OneIndia: http://bit.ly/11DJZVh

#MissionINA-1: We are on expansion mode; focus on new-age technologies: INA Commandant

Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, Commandant, INA. Photo: IN

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The Indian Naval Academy (INA) is gearing up to build infrastructure and capabilities to meet the increase in intake in the next five years with the Phase-II expansion plans going live. The INA, a premier training establishment of Indian Navy, situated at Ezhimala in Kannur district of North Kerala's Malabar region, is on an expansion mode which will see the cadet strength eventually double in the Phase-III stage. 

In an exclusive one-to-one with OneIndia, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, Commandant, INA, said that current shift in focus of training in the Indian Navy mandates an officer to be able to man, operate and maintain the gen-next assets. 

"To fight the future wars at the sea, we want our officers to be equipped mentally, physically and technologically. At INA, we have been giving a huge stress on tech learning with the best of systems available for the cadets," says Vice Admiral Suresh who is being part of the Indian Navy for over 33 years.

* Phase-II plans in full swing

* Attracting the best talent

* Huge demand from foreign navies

* Training ships likely to be part of INA in future

Read more on OneIndia, here: http://bit.ly/1ry28KO

More photos on: https://www.facebook.com/Tarmak007

Impressive POP at INA Ezhimala

(Unedited Release)

At an impressive Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala here today, 268 cadets of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard passed through the portals of the INA, on successful completion of their training. This POP marked the commissioning of the cadets of the third B Tech graduate course (86thIndian Naval Academy Course) into the Indian Navy here today morning.
The passing-out cadets belonged to the four passing-out courses of the Spring Term 2014,viz., the 86th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), the 86thIntegrated Cadet Course (ICC), the 17th Naval Orientation (Extended)Course and the 18th Naval Orientation (Regular) Course. Also graduating and marching shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts were 26 female cadets from the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
The parade was reviewed by the Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Smt Sheila Dikshit. After the ceremonial review, her Excellency awarded medals to several meritorious cadets.The Hon’ble Governor of Kerala in her address, congratulated the passing-out cadets and complemented them for choosing the noble profession of arms-Indian Navy. The Commandant, INA, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, AVSM, VSM, was also present at this momentous occasion. All the Passing-Out cadets took an Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution of India, which was administered by the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, INA, Rear Admiral G V Ravindran. The Passing-Out Parade was witnessed by the proud parents and guardians of the successful cadets, as well as by a large number of dignitaries, including several Defence and Naval Attaches of friendly foreign countries.
The‘Presidents Gold Medal’, for the cadet adjudged first in the overall order-of-merit of the INAC course was awarded to Divisional Cadet Captain Sangram R Kashirsagar, ‘Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal’ for the cadet adjudged first in overall order-of-merit for the Naval Orientation (Extended)Course was awarded to probationary Sub Lieutenant Abhishek Sharma. Probationary Sub Lieutenant Cherian Johny was awarded the ‘Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal’ for thecadet adjudged first in overall order-of-merit for the Naval Orientation(Regular) Course and Probationary Asst Commandant Shipra Nayyar was awarded the ‘Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief(South) Gold Medal’ for being adjudged the best female cadet of the course.
The glittering ceremony culminated with the successful cadets forming up in two columns, and marching, with their gleaming swords held in salute, past the Academy’s Saluting Dias (known as the Quarterdeck), in Slow March, to the traditional notes of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, the poignant farewell tune played by all Armed Forces of the world when bidding adieu to colleagues and comrades. Naval and Coast Guard aircraft flew past in perfect synchronization with the Passing-Out Drill.
On completion of the parade, the ceremony of ‘Shipping-of-Stripes’ was conducted. The proud parents/guardians of the passing out cadets shipped the Naval (or Coast Guard) epaulettes, popularly known as ‘Stripes’ on the shoulders of their children/wards, thus symbolizing their transformation from ‘cadets’ into full fledged Naval or Coast Guard Officers and leaders. The Chief Guest and other dignitaries present congratulated the trainees on their successful completion of the rigorous course. On completion of the training at the Indian Naval Academy,the officers will proceed to various Naval and Coast Guard ships/establishments, to consolidate their training in specific fields. (Unedited release)

Missile Man at INA

(Press Release)

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India inaugurated a seminar on “Technology-Enabled Training” at the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala today. This seminal and maiden seminar at INA Ezhimala is a landmark event with a congregation of distinguished luminaries from various organisations including academia, industry and the Indian Armed Forces. Many senior officers, including Lt Gen K Surendra Nath, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Army Training Command, Lt Gen VK Saxena, VSM, Commandant, Army Air Defence College, distinguished academicians like Prof Kannan M Moudgalya from IIT Bombay and representatives from the industry are taking part in this seminar.
The Opening Address was delivered by the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM, VSM. The highlight of the day’s proceedings was the Keynote Address by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the Chief Guest, in which he said technology empowers the learning process however technology cannot replace or one cannot underestimate teacher’s role as he becomes a mentor or facilitator for learning process. He advised educational institutions to use more and more virtual learning tools like virtual labs etc.
The cadets of INA and the delegates were visibly inspired by Dr Kalam’s delivery and had animated discussions with him after his address. The high standard of the papers presented today are a clear indicator of the quality of the excellence of the training being imparted in the Armed Forces in general and at the Indian Naval Academy in particular. Our Armed Forces are acutely conscious of the need to adopt the most modern practices in all areas of training and learning. The seminar serves to broaden the horizons of trainers and the trainees alike, and has shown how technology-oriented training can be put to excellent use.
The Indian Naval Academy received an overwhelming response for its call for papers and over sixty papers were received from a variety of training organisations, corporates involved in technology-based education, and, training establishments of the three Armed Forces. The seminar is scheduled to run over two days, with a total of eleven papers being presented. Of these, six were presented today. All the papers focus upon the positive impact of technology in the field of education and seek to document the manner in which technology-enabled training has leapfrogged over traditional methods, especially in the last two decades, with entrepreneurs, corporates and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India all playing critical roles. The papers also stress the advancements that have been made in Information, Communication and Computing Technologies (ICT), which have brought about a sea-change in the outlook of institutions of higher education, in respect of sharing their reservoirs of knowledge and competence. In addition to the training organisations of the Armed Forces, the seminar is being attended by academicians from a number of Engineering Colleges of the Malabar region. All in all, the initiative taken by the INA has been an intellectually exciting and effervescent affair.