KOCHI, JAN 19
A team of 14 engineer officers, including 10 from the Navy and four from the Coast Guard, were inducted into the aviation wing of respective services upon the completion of the Air Engineering and Air Electrical Officers Specialisation Course, at Naval Base, Kochi, on Saturday.
Four officers – two each from Bangladesh and Vietnam navies – also completed the course successfully along with the team. A ceremonial passing-out parade was held at the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology which was reviewed by Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air Material) Rear Admiral V M Doss. Bengaluru Air Force Technical College Commandant Air Commodore Biji Philip also was present.
Assistant Commandants Divesh P and Vijesh V Nair were awarded the HAL trophy and the Chief of Naval Staff trophy for securing first place in overall order of merit. The Director-General Coast Guard trophy was presented to Lieutenant Deepinder Singh Kular, while the Venduruthy shield for ‘Best Air Technical Project’ was awarded to Lieutenant Waghade Bhusan Arvind and Lieutenant Deepinder Singh Kular.
Rear Admiral V M Doss congratulated the prize winners and all officers, especially those from friendly foreign countries in completing the course. He lauded the efforts of NIAT for ensuring high standards of excellence in professional training. He brought out that NIAT has transformed itself into a ‘Centre of Excellence for Aeronautical Science and Technology’ and her alumni have brought laurels to the Indian Navy by rendering 63 years of yeoman service to Naval Aviation. The Flag Officer reminded the young officers of the importance of maintaining professional competence and keeping abreast of the latest technologies.
The officers have undergone 52 weeks of intensive training in advanced aeronautical subjects, besides practical training on various types of aircraft operated by both the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. On passing out from NIAT, the officers would be proceeding to their respective air squadrons at various naval air stations for their competency, which would culminate with the award of an M-Tech degree, from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
