A poignant chapter closed in Indian naval history on January 12, 2024, as three valiant ships – INS Cheetah, INS Guldar, and INS Kumbhir – were decommissioned after four decades of unwavering service. The ceremony, held at Port Blair, witnessed the lowering of the National Flag, Naval Ensign, and Decommissioning Pennants for the last time, marking the end of an era.
These stalwarts, built in Poland in 1984, 1985, and 1986, served as the backbone of the Andaman and Nicobar Command’s amphibian capabilities. For nearly 40 years, they tirelessly patrolled the seas, collectively traversing 17 lakh nautical miles and spending over 12,300 days at sea. Their legacy boasts over 1300 beaching operations, ensuring seamless troop deployment along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Beyond their unwavering dedication to maritime security, Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir etched their names in history through humanitarian missions. They played a crucial role in Operation Aman during the Sri Lankan Civil War and Operation Tasha, a joint venture with the Indian Coast Guard to curb smuggling and illegal immigration. Their tireless efforts in relief operations following the 1997 Sri Lankan cyclone and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami stand as testaments to their unwavering commitment to human lives.
Their decommissioning marks not just the end of their individual journeys, but also the culmination of a significant chapter in the Indian Navy’s history. The ceremony resonated with profound emotions as Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, and other dignitaries, along with former crew members, paid their respects to these magnificent ships.
While Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir may no longer navigate the seas, their legacy of unwavering service, selfless dedication, and countless contributions to national security will forever remain etched in the annals of the Indian Navy.
One comment