22 Naval officers join Aviation Arm of Indian Navy

KOCHI: Twenty-two Naval Officers, including three from the Coast Guard, today joined the "aviation arm" of the Indian Navy on passing out from Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT) here after completing Air Engineering and Air Electrical Officers Specialisation course.

The passing out parade, conducted by NIAT Director Commodore Sanjeev Dureja, was reviewed by Rear Admiral Srinivas Kanugo, VSM, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air Material), a Navy release said here.

Sub-Lieutenant Rohan S Bhuskute and Lieutenant Eby P Henry were awarded trophies for standing first in overall order of merit among Air Electrical and Air Engineering Officers respectively.

"Director General Coast Guard trophy for best all round officer of the course was given to Lieutenant Ranjit George, while the Venduruthy Shield was awarded to Lieutenant Commander A Nazarudeen and Lieutenant Anshul Goel for Best Air Technical Project," the release said.

Rear Admiral Srinivas Kanugo, congratulated the award winners and highlighted that Naval aviation has evolved over the last six decades to become a major force to reckon with.

The officers have been appointed to frontline squadrons at air stations. On completion of on the job training (OJT), they will be eligible for M Tech degree under the aegis of Cochin University of Science and Technology, the release said.