In a memorable Passing Out Parade of the 14th Naval Orientation Course (NOC), 32 cadets of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard marked completion of their training within the First Training Squadron, while listening to the traditional tune of Auld Lang Syne. Commodore MR Ajay Kumar, Naval Officer in Charge Kerala and Commanding Officer, INS Venduruthy was the Chief Guest at the parade.
He reviewed the impressive Parade and awarded trophies to the winners. The First Training Squadron comprises of the Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata, Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna, and the Sail Training Ships INS Sudarshini and Tarangini.
The other half of batch of the 14th NOC are presently on board INS Sudarshini, as part of the six month voyage of INS Sudarshini to ASEAN countries to commemorate 20 years of India-ASEAN partnership. The cadets afloat training onboard the ships of the First Training Squadron commenced on 25th June for a duration of 24 weeks. During this period the cadets were given extensive instructions and sea experience on General Navigation, Astro Navigation, Communications, Gunnery and Seamanship. The cadets visited various ports on the East and West Coasts of India and got an opportunity to sail overseas to the ports of Chittangong (Bangladesh), Yangon (Myanmar), Phuket (Thailand) and Port Klang (Malaysia).
The coveted Chief of the Naval Staff trophy and Telescope for the Best All Round Cadet was awarded to Cadet Ankush Kumar Singh. Cadet Subhash Kumar KP received the Binocular for standing first in overall Order of Merit and Cadet Rajesh Nayak was awarded the FOC-IN-C East Rolling Trophy for maximum progress in intellectual and professional fields during his term onboard. Cadet Subhash Kumar KP received the Director General Indian Coast Guard trophy for the best Coast Guard Cadet while Cadet Rohit Choudhary was adjudged the best sportsman. The cadets will now join frontline warships of the Western and Eastern Fleets for further six months training as Midshipmen.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 7, 2012; Image: Indian Navy