US-acquired landing ship Jalashwa steals show as Indian navy displays firepower

US-acquired landing ship Jalashwa stole the show as Indian navy displayed its firepower off southern Visakahpatnam, as part of the Navy-Week celebrations.

Visakhapatnam, Nov 22 : US-acquired landing ship Jalashwa stole the show as Indian navy displayed its firepower off southern Visakahpatnam, as part of the Navy-Week celebrations.

'INS Jalashwa,' an amphibious assault ship was inducted into the fleet in September and is India's first big defence purchase from the US.

Jalashwa (a Sanskrit name fro Hippopotamus), formerly the USS Trenton was commissioned at US port of Norfolk in June this year.

The second largest ship in the Navy's inventory, the INS Jalashwa is equipped with a Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM-8), along with sea-king helicopters, radars and rapid firing guns to undertake amphibious operations among other features.

Missile corvette INS Nirbhik, a missile boat, submarine and four other ships of the eastern naval command, - INS Rajput, a Kashmir Class Destroyer,NS Karmu and INS Khanjar also participated in the exercises.

"In the last one year, the eastern fleet has operated at prolonged distances from our own country to the blue waters. The fleet has made a visit to south China sea and northern, specific with the aim to carry out the diplomatic mission of the navy to show the flag as well as to carry out the exercises with other navies of the world," said Rear Admiral R. K. Dhawan, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet.

Some 660 school children, along with senior citizens and media, enjoyed the nine-hour naval show.

"I am very lucky that this is my second time. The manners of Indian navy shown to us are really good. I think every year this should be repeated so that every child of every school gets the opportunity," said Vamsi Krishna, a student.

ANI