The Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kerala, celebrated a significant milestone with the successful completion of the Special Naval Orientation Course (SNOC) in Information Technology, attended by 16 officers. This intensive six-week program commenced on March 3, 2025, and was specifically designed to cultivate the next generation of naval leaders by enhancing their professionalism, personality, and character through a tailored curriculum aimed at the Indian Navy.
The SNOC (IT) Course concentrated on providing officers with essential skills to effectively tackle the unique challenges faced within naval service, while also advancing their technical expertise. The comprehensive training included modules on naval operations, leadership, maritime law, and ethics, complemented by rigorous physical exercises intended to prepare the officers for the demands of their roles. This multifaceted approach emphasizes the Navy’s commitment to developing well-rounded leaders who are capable of addressing both technical and operational responsibilities.
During the valedictory ceremony, Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair, the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, took center stage to honor award winners for their exceptional performance throughout the course. Vice Admiral Nair, who assumed the role of Commandant in August 2024 and boasts a distinguished naval career, has previously commanded key naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and the guided missile destroyer INS Chennai.
The ceremony included the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by the Deputy Commandant of the INA, marking the formal commissioning of the officers into the Indian Navy. In a traditional gesture, senior officers and instructors placed stripes on the newly commissioned officers, symbolizing their readiness to undertake leadership roles within the naval service.
Nestled between the hills and the Kavvayi backwaters, the Indian Naval Academy has stood as a premier training institution for officer cadets of both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard since its inception in 2009. With a picturesque 7-kilometer beachfront along the Laccadive Sea, the Academy continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future leadership of the Navy.
The graduation of these 16 officers from the SNOC (IT) Course underscores the Indian Navy’s unwavering dedication to promoting excellence and professionalism among its ranks, ensuring they are well-prepared to protect the nation’s maritime interests.
