INS Utkrosh completes 37 years of dedicated service to the nation

New Delhi: Indian Naval Ship Utkrosh, a Naval Air Station at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has completed 37 years of service to the nation. The Naval Station was commissioned on May 11, 1985, and has grown towards protecting the nation's far eastern frontiers and ensuring vital air connectivity.

A Naval Spokesperson said that Lt Gen Ajai Singh, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman Nicobar Command, congratulated all ranks of INS Utkrosh on the completion of 37 years of service.

The air station at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands caters to flying operations of the Indian Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Civil Aviation. The unit has a Dornier squadron and a Chetak flight and undertakes flying operations for maritime reconnaissance of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

The air station also provides aid to civil authorities including casualty evacuation and search and rescue operations. The meaning of the name 'Utkrosh' is a Sea eagle commonly found in the Indian peninsula and Andaman islands. The crest design depicts a Sea Eagle flying over the blue and white seawater against a blue background.

Over the period of time, the facilities at Utkrosh have been significantly upgraded. The runway has been lengthened to almost 11,000 feet (3,400 m). Except for the civilian terminal operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), all other air traffic operations over Port Blair are undertaken by INS Utkrosh.

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