Sri Vijaya Puram — Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Neelkanth was accorded a ceremonial maritime reception at Sri Vijaya Puram upon completing a grueling 700-nautical-mile open-ocean voyage from Visakhapatnam. The passage, flagged off on September 27, serves as a signature operational highlight commemorating the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)—India’s premier tri-service operational outpost.
The expedition showcases the endurance, navigation capabilities, and joint maritime readiness essential to securing India’s interests across the vital sea lanes of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
A Grueling 700-Mile Test Across the Bay of Bengal
Setting sail from the Eastern Naval Command base at Visakhapatnam, the crew aboard INSV Neelkanth navigated demanding open waters to make landfall at the archipelago. Ocean sailing under canvas demands relentless physical stamina, precise meteorology, and sharp situational awareness, testing core naval seamanship beyond engine-powered navigation.
The expedition embodies the operational ethos of the Andaman and Nicobar Command: “Jointness, Synergy, and Sentinel of the Eastern Seaboard.”
Sail Flotilla and Warship Corridor Escort the Vessel In
The arrival off Flag Point featured a high-seas ceremony orchestrated by Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN). Leading from the front aboard a J-24 class sailboat, Vice Admiral McCarty headed an escort formation that featured:
- 3 Laser class and 5 Optimist class sailing craft
- Multiple powered patrol boats from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard
- A ceremonial naval honour corridor composed of six Indian Navy warships and two Coast Guard vessels
The combined fleet escorted INSV Neelkanth through the approaches, delivering a sharp display of joint-service cohesion at sea.
Marina Bay Flag-In Marks ANC Silver Jubilee
The voyage formally culminated at Marina Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram, where Vice Admiral McCarty led the official flag-in ceremony. Stepping aboard INSV Neelkanth, the CINCAN commended the crew for their seamanship, grit, and precision navigation throughout the demanding transit across the Bay of Bengal.
The journey underscored the ANC’s 25th-anniversary motto—“Together We Sail, Together We Conquer”—reinforcing the command’s role in projecting integrated tri-service deterrence and maritime synergy across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.
Key Highlights
- Vessel: INSV Neelkanth
- Route: Visakhapatnam to Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
- Passage Distance: 700+ nautical miles (commenced 27 Sep)
- Milestone: 25 Years of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC)
- Presiding Officer: Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, CINCAN
