Article Posted on : - May 03, 2012

Prince Andrew, Duke of York shares a light moment with Vice Admiral , Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command D K Joshi at INS Viraat during his visit to India, in Mumbai on Wednesday. A PTI Photo

MUMBAI (PTI): Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who is currently on a visit to India to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, has visited the Western Naval Command Headquarters here.

He interacted with Vice Admiral D K Joshi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, official sources said Wednesday.

Prince Andrew, himself a naval officer in the Royal Navy, also visited the Indian Navy's Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat (ex-HMS Hermes) where he walked around the ship and interacted with the officers and men on board.

Prince Andrew joined the Royal Navy in 1978, underwent training as a helicopter pilot and was part of the 820 Naval Air Squadron onboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Invincible.

During this tenure he saw action in the Falklands War where he flew on various missions and also witnessed the Argentinian attack on the SS Atlantic Conveyor. He was decorated for his service in the Falklands. In February 2010, he was promoted to Honorary Rear Admiral.