Remain 'combat ready', Navy chief tells naval personnel

Mumbai: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday urged the naval forces, including ships, submarines and aircraft, to remain `combat ready` at all times to carry out the responsibility of ensuring India`s maritime security.

Admiral Lanba said the Indian Navy`s core responsibility is to secure the country`s maritime frontiers and provide maritime security to ensure unhindered national development and economic progress.

He pointed out that India`s strategic location afforded her a prominent position in the Indian Ocean and the seas around it were of great significance for economic progress.

In recent times, there have been growing threats of terrorism, piracy as well as smuggling of arms, drugs and humans which threaten the peaceful nature of the seas.

In view of this, Admiral Lanba emphasised that national interests dictate the oceans and seas surrounding India remain peaceful at all times.

Admiral Lanba, along with his wife Reena Lanba, who is President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association, arrived in Mumbai for their first visit to the Western Naval Command after he assumed charge of the top post in May.

On arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial parade at INS Shikra and later separately addressed officers, sailors and civilians of the WNC. He was also briefed about the naval activities here and interacted with the command staff.

A specialist in navigation and direction, Admiral Lanba took over as the 23rd Chief of Naval STaff on May 31 this year.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Tamil Nadu) and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK, Admiral Lanba has held several important assignments prior to his appointment as the Chief of Naval Staff.