The Hindu Business Line : Vizag gets set for Naval Fleet Review

THE President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, will arrive here on February 11 and review the naval fleet on February 12 off the Ramakrishna beach, said Mr Suresh Mehta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.

He told newspersons on Thursday that it was for the first time that the prestigious Naval Fleet Review is being held here; the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, is also scheduled to attend it. "In all, we have invited roughly a thousand VIPs for the event and 650 have confirmed their visit."

Some 65 ships and 43 aircraft would be involved in the exercise and the President would go around in INS Sukanya, an offshore patrol vessel.

Unlike previous fleet reviews, there would be a demonstration and display of the fighting prowess of the Navy and it would be visible to the public.

"The harbour here makes it possible to carry out such an exercise and the public can witness the event on that day from the Ramakrishna beach from 3.45 p.m. for a period of three hours."

On February 13, the President will present President's Colours to the Eastern Fleet at the command parade ground. During his visit, he will also interact with school children.

Mr Mehta said that dress rehearsals were going on for the fleet review.

The district administration, the municipal corporation, the Visakhapatnam port trust, and the police were all co-operating with the Navy in conducting the event.

Certain restrictions had been imposed on fishing activity in the harbour in view of the review and the fishermen have agreed to co-operate with the Navy, he added.