Article Posted on : - Feb 11, 2012

KOCHI (PTI): Fifteen Naval officers, including 12 Indian Navy officers, two Coast Guard officers and an officer of the Sri Lankan Navy, Friday graduated as Observers - airborne tacticians aboard maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) - in a ceremonial passing out parade at the Naval base here.

Rear Admiral S M Vadgaonkar of Integrated Headquarters Ministry of Defence reviewed the parade and awarded the 'Wings' to the passing out officers.

During the 46-week course at Observer School commanded by Commander Vijayant Singh, the officers were trained in tactics employed in air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and operations of the advanced electronic warfare systems.

They were also provided basic training in air navigation and flying procedures.

These officers would function as the 'The Airbourne Tacticians' onboard Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine warfare aircraft of the Navy, the release said.

At the ceremony, Assistant Commandant Sunil Negi was awarded Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Naval command trophy for being adjudged 'Best in Flying' and Uttar Pradesh trophy on being adjudged 'First in the Overall Order of Merit' and Lt G S Rathore was awarded Sub Lt RV Kunte Memorial book prize on being adjudged 'Best in Ground Subjects'.

Addressing the parade after presenting the trophies, Rear Admiral S M Vadgaonkar said the Indian Navy is growing at a fast pace and a wide range of air assets from diverse sources are being inducted.