Keep your steel sharp and powder dry, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba told officers and men of MARCOS (Marine Commandos) at the commissioning of INS Karna, the first dedicated base for the Indian Navy’s elite force. MARCOS is the only frontline operations force with capability in all the three dimensions of warfare — air, land and sea.
With the expanding asymmetric threats, MARCOS have a key role in protecting the maritime interests as the roles and responsibilities of the Navy have expanded in the Indian Ocean Region.
It has become imperative that the MARCOS be ‘Mission Ready and a Winner’ always as they would be the first into the battle, Admiral Lanba said at the Commissioning ceremony at Bheemunipatnam here on Tuesday.
Keeping with the Navy traditions, the commissioning plaque of the shore establishment was unveiled by Reena Lanba, wife of Admiral Lanba, in the presence of the Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral HCS Bisht and Commanding Officer Designate INS Karna Captain Varun Singh. This was followed by hoisting of the Naval Ensign and playing of the National Anthem.
Complimenting the role of the elite force in operations undertaken by the Navy like Operation Zaburdast, Operation Tasha, Operation Leech, Operation Sagittarius and Operation Rahat, among others, the Admiral exhorted the men and officers of the special forces to adopt the latest technologies and tactics and be combat ready.
The MARCOS East unit has progressed in terms of manpower, infrastructure, equipment holding and other resources.
The complement of the unit has risen from an initial strength of two officers and 40 sailors to 25 officers and 300 sailors.
A flypast in a diamond formation by four Navy advanced jet trainers Hawk 132s, live machine gun firing and flare firing from the base marked the occasion.
Flag Officers and a number of earlier officers in charge of MARCOS East unit and members of the families of MARCOS were present on the occasion.
