The Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet commemorated its Golden Jubilee on 06 and 07 Apr 2022 at Visakhapatnam with a host of events.
The major highlights of the celebrations included a Wreath Laying Ceremony, a Seminar-themed “Emerging Challenges in Eastern Maritime Theatre – Future Readiness of Eastern Fleet”, an Awards ceremony, and interactions with Fleet personnel and their families.
The events were attended by 14 former Fleet Commanders, besides a large number of Flag Officers, officers, sailors, and their families.
What is the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy?
The Eastern Fleet is a Naval fleet of the Indian Navy headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as the “Sword Arm” and “Sunrise Fleet” of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Army.
It was constituted on 1 November 1971 and is commanded by a Rear Admiral with the title Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
Eastern Fleet is responsible for the naval operations and vigilance in the Bay of Bengal and eastern parts of the Indian Ocean.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, a documentary encapsulating the growth of the Eastern Fleet from its formation in 1971 to its present position of eminence, was also screened.
The Eastern fleet played an important role during the 1971 Indi-Pak war. During the course of the war, INS Vikrant which earlier used to be part of the Western Fleet was moved to the Eastern Naval Command and thus it became the flagship of the Eastern Fleet.
Fleet Awards Function 2022
The Fleet Awards Function 2022 which recognizes achievements and excellence achieved by various units of the Eastern Fleet in 2021 – 22 was held on 07 Apr 2022 to coincide with the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff was the Chief Guest for the Awards Function hosted by Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. INS Shivalik was adjudged as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet.
INS Kadmatt was adjudged as the Best Corvette, and the Most Spirited Ship trophy was awarded jointly to INS Satpura and INS Kora.