The Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) has recently welcomed a new batch of trainee officers from the Indian Navy at INS Kohassa, situated on North Andaman Island. This event is pivotal in enhancing the naval capabilities and expertise within the Indian Navy. During their orientation, the trainee officers visited both the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower and the Meteorological Office at the base, as announced by the ANC.
INS Kohassa, formerly known as NAS Shibpur, was established in 2001 and serves as a Forward Operating Air Base (FOAB) aimed at bolstering surveillance operations in the North Andaman region. Since its establishment, the base has undergone extensive upgrades, including a significant runway extension to 3000 meters. This enhancement allows for operations involving both wide-bodied civil and defense aircraft. In January 2019, the base was officially renamed INS Kohassa to reflect these developments and its strategic importance.
The visit of the trainee officers is integral to their training curriculum, designed to provide them with hands-on experience and deepen their understanding of naval operations. Key focus areas during the visit were air traffic control and meteorological assessments, which are essential for conducting effective maritime and aerial operations in the region. The ANC highlighted this pivotal visit using hashtags such as #SVP, #ANC, and #ScholarWarriors, signaling the visit’s educational and strategic significance.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Indian Navy’s broader objectives, which strongly emphasize the development of ‘Scholar Warriors.’ This term, introduced by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, encapsulates the necessity for a personnel mix of intellectual capability and combat readiness in today’s complex security landscape. The training conducted at INS Kohassa represents a key move toward this goal, ensuring the officers are equipped to handle the multifaceted challenges inherent in modern naval operations.
Furthermore, the visit complements the training philosophy upheld at INS Chilka, where foundational training for Agniveers incorporates both basic knowledge and operational expertise. The immersive experience at INS Kohassa equips these trainee officers with practical insights into their roles within the nation’s defense apparatus and maritime security operations. This is particularly vital in strategic locales such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are crucial to India’s maritime surveillance and defense strategy.
Overall, this development signifies a notable advancement in the ongoing learning and professional development of India’s naval forces, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining operational readiness and enhancing strategic capabilities in an evolving defense environment.
