Article Posted on : - Jun 17, 2017

A file photo.

CHENNAI (PTI): Elevan Naval Pilots were awarded the "Wings" upon successfully completion of the 17-01 Helicopter Conversion Course during the Passing-Out Parade held at the Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam, near, Chennai, on Friday.

The pilots underwent "rigorous" training for 21 weeks in flying and aviation subjects at the Naval Air Squadron 561, Helicopter Training School commanded by Captain Rajan Kapoor, an official release said.

Director General, Project Varsha, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), Rear Admiral, Mukul Asthana was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Nearly 682 pilots have successfully graduated from the school for Navy and Coast Guard till date, it said.

Commanded by Commodore VK Pisharody, INS Rajali is the largest operational air base of the Navy which celebrated the silver jubilee in March.

Mukul Asthana presented the "Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy" to Lieutenant Commander Rahul Verma for being adjudged as the Best All Round Trainee Pilot.

Asthana also presented the "Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy" to Lieutenant Subham Sahlot for standing first in order of merit.

The graduated pilots would join operational flights in Goa, Kochi, Mumbai, Port Blair and Vishakapatnam, it added.