News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 7 years ago
Rediff.com  » News » Navy says goodbye to aircraft carrier INS Viraat

Navy says goodbye to aircraft carrier INS Viraat

Source: PTI
October 23, 2016 15:33 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

INS Viraat, the world's oldest aircraft carrier, was accorded a grand send-off from the port city in Kochi on Sunday, after over five decades of its service to the Navy.

The ship, which underwent a decommissioning refit, is being towed back by three tugs to Mumbai for the decommissioning ceremony, a Navy official said.

The final journey of the carrier began with Navy officials led by the Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Nadkarni bidding farewell to the carrier at Ernakulam Wharf of Cochin Port Trust on Sunday morning.

Viraat is expected to be decommissioned by end of this year, after 55 years of service, including 27 years with the Royal Navy (British Navy).

The Navy has agreed to hand over INS Viraat to Andhra Pradesh government after its decommissioning.

The AP government had shown a keen interest in getting INS Viraat, the oldest aircraft carrier operated by Indian Navy, to berth in Vizag for promotion of tourism after its decommissioning.

Photographs: Indian Navy

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: PTI© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.
 
CHINESE CHALLENGE - 2022

CHINESE CHALLENGE