INS KESARI COMMISSIONED

VISAKHAPATNAM
05 APR 08
 

 

 INS Kesari, the fourth indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large) of the Indian Navy was commissioned by His Excellency Shri Narayan Datt Tiwari, Honorable Governor of Andhra Pradesh at the Naval Base here today, 05 Apr 08, at a colourful ceremony.

On arrival at the Naval Jetty the Chief Guest was received by Vice Admiral Raman Prem Suthan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The Honourable Governor was presented a Fifty-man Guard and introduced to the Ship's Officers thereafter. Following the inaugural and keynote addresses delivered by Rear Admiral TS Ganeshan (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, and Vice Admiral Suthan respectively, Commander Sandeep Sharma, Commanding Officer INS Kesari, read out the Commissioning Warrant. Hoisting of the Naval Ensign onboard for the first time and 'Breaking of the Commissioning Pennant' with the National Anthem being played marked the formal Commissioning Ceremony. Addressing the gathering later, the Honourable Governor congratulated the Indian Navy, the GRSE and other Indian PSUs like Bharat Electronics, HAL, Keltron and private sector companies like Larsen and Toubro, Kirloskar, Godrej, and a host of small scale industries and sub-contractors who have contributed in building this fine ship. He said the ship would add to the Sea Lift capabilities of the Navy.

Induction of INS Kesari adds thrust to the Navy's ongoing drive for indigenous warship production. The ship, measuring 125 meters in
length, 17.5 meters in breadth and displacing 5655 tons, can achieve speed in excess of 15 Knots. Second of the Shardul Class of Ships, INS Kesari is the most contemporary and fully indigenised LST (L) in the Indian Navy. In addition to its primary role of Amphibious Operations carrying Battle Tanks, Troops and vehicles to hostile coasts, the Ship also forms a potent assault platform with Rockets and Chaff launchers, Anti-aircraft guns, shoulder launched Surface to Air Missiles and an integral Sea King or an Advanced Light Helicopter. On the other end of the Spectrum, the ship can also be tasked as a Fleet Tanker, as a Hospital Ship, or for Disaster Relief Operations.

Other Distinguished Guests on the Occasion included the Honorable Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri MM Pallam Raju, in addition to Flag Officers and Senior Officers, both serving and retired, associated with the erstwhile INS Kesari.