Submerged Splendour: Vizag Expedition – Discovering Naval Wonders

YFLO Hyderabad started an exclusive naval tour titled “Submerged Splendour: Vizag Expedition – Discovering Naval Wonders”on October 21st, 2024, a key initiative under Chairperson Ridhi Jain’s vision for outbound industrial tours. The event aimed at offering 30 members unique learning experiences that would provide a rare glimpse into India’s naval capabilities and technological advancements.

With Ridhi Jain’s leadership, the focus was on giving members hands-on exposure to India’s maritime excellence. This was to create a deeper appreciation for the critical role the Indian Navy plays in national security.

The day began at the ASD Naval Dockyard, where participants were introduced to the intricacies of ship maintenance and the advanced weapons facility. There, they witnessed the scale and complexity of operations required to keep India’s fleet combat-ready. At the end of the visit, Rear Admiral K. Srinivas, Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, presented a memento to the YFLO group, symbolising the shared respect for naval excellence.

Next, the group visited INS Satavahana, home to the Submarine Training Facility, where they explored vital naval escape techniques used by submariners. The high-tech simulations, which train personnel in emergency scenarios, provided participants with a sobering yet fascinating view of the training regimen essential for submarine operations. After the visit, Commander Rajat Nagpal exchanged a memento with the group, strengthening the bond between YFLO Hyderabad and the Indian Navy.

One of the tour’s highlights was the visit to INS Sahyadri, an award-winning warship. Participants explored the vessel’s cutting-edge command center, combat systems, and living quarters. The tour offered a close-up view of the sophisticated technology that supports the
ship’s operations, highlighting the crucial role INS Sahyadri plays in national defense. Captain.

Rajat Kumar, Commanding Officer of INS Sahyadri, presented a memento to the YFLO members, commemorating their visit and celebrating the partnership between the naval forces and civilian communities. The expedition continued aboard INS Shalki, a fully operational submarine. There, participants gained a rare understanding of submarine operations, exploring the compact yet highly efficient design that supports these underwater vessels. Commander Rahul Patnaik presented a memento at the end of the tour, marking the importance of civilian engagement with the Navy.

The tour also included a visit to INS Vishwakarma, where participants observed advanced naval simulations used for training personnel. Captain Pankaj Sharma presented a memento to the group, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to fostering innovation through continuous training.

The day concluded with a closed-door event at Novotel Hotel, featuring a thought-provoking discussion on Indigenous Submarine Development, led by Vice Admiral DSP Varma. This conversation emphasised India’s strides toward self-reliance in defense technology and its
commitment to developing Indigenous submarine capabilities. The memento presented by Vice Admiral Varma to YFLO marked the mutual respect and shared vision for supporting India’s defense advancements.

The ”Submerged Splendour: Vizag Expedition” was a resounding success. The exchange of mementos throughout the day served as a symbol of the strong partnership between YFLO Hyderabad and the Indian Navy.