In a formal ceremony at INS Satavahana, Commodore Dhiraj Khanna officially took command from Commodore Rajat Nagpal. Located in Visakhapatnam, INS Satavahana stands as the Indian Navy’s foremost submarine training establishment, playing a vital role in enhancing the country’s undersea warfare capabilities.
The handover ceremony was marked by a disciplined parade of naval personnel and the traditional exchange of insignia, which together underscore the values of continuity and professionalism within the Navy’s submarine branch. Commodore Khanna, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, arrives with extensive experience in submarine operations, training, and administration.
Since its commissioning on December 21, 1974, INS Satavahana has evolved into a world-class training facility. It encompasses several integral schools, including the Submarine School, the Escape Training School, and the School of Advanced Undersea Warfare, which was inaugurated in 2006 to prepare personnel for cutting-edge platforms like the Arihant-class nuclear submarines. A significant boost to its training capabilities was achieved with the introduction of the Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility in September 2024. This modern center features a five-meter vertical escape tower designed to conduct realistic underwater escape simulations, thereby enhancing crew survival skills.
Under Commodore Dhiraj Khanna’s leadership, INS Satavahana is poised to continue its tradition of developing highly skilled submariners, further reinforcing India’s maritime strength on a global scale.
