Mumbai, May 06: Having distinction of participating in all the major operations undertaken in last 30 years and relief operations for Gujarat earthquake, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Himgiri, second of the Leander class anti-submarine frigates being built indigenously, was decommissioned at naval dockyard here today.
The ship was commissioned on November 23, 1974 by then defence minister Sardar Swaran Singh and had been the part of both the eastern and western fleets of the Indian Navy.
Powered by steam, the ship was equipped with medium heavy guns AMD also had the capability to operate a helicopter from deck.
Recalling his memories of the ship, its first commanding officer and chief guest of the occasion, CDR (Retd) K N Zadu said the ship was the first to shoot down a pilotless aircraft in 1976.
The installation of first indegenously built sonar had increased its capability to carry out its operation with full strength, he added.
Presiding over the ceremony, flag officer commanding western fleet, Rear Admiral P S Byce said navy was proud of the ship that contributed a lot in the major operations, including Sri Lanka operations and Gujarat earthquake, undertaken by the Indian Navy in last 30 years.
Bureau Report
