Vishakhapatnam: Eastern Naval Command is set for the much-awaited international fleet review on Monday in Vishakhapatnam and the Multi-national Naval exercise (MILAN) from February 25^th to March 4^th.

It is set to shine again on the global map as it will be hosting two major naval exercises. This is the third President’s Fleet Review (PFR) in Vishakhapatnam the head quarters of Eastern Naval Command. The first Fleet was held in 2006 and the second in 2016.  Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, President Ram Nath Kovind will review the naval fleet comprising over 60 ships and submarines and 55 aircraft on Monday.

President Ram Nath Kovind will release a commemorative stamp in the presence of Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Communications Devusinh J Chauhan. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar reviewed the overall preparations for the PFR.

This is the 12th PFR, which has a special significance as it is being conducted on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, celebrated as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. INS Sumitra, an indigenously designed and built Saryu-class patrol vessel, will be the Presidential Yacht and lead the Presidential Column.

       Ships from all the naval commands and the Andaman and Nicobar Command have been anchored in four columns for the PFR. The Presidential Yacht will sail past 44 ships anchored in four lanes, and will be accorded the ceremonial salute, one by one. As many as 47 out the 60 ships and submarines participating in the PFR, have been built in Indian shipyards and each ship dressed in full regalia will salute the President as he passes.

President Ram Nath Kovind will also review the Indian Naval Air Arm in a display of spectacular flypast by several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. In the final stage of the PFR, a mobile column of warships and submarines will steam past the Presidential Yacht.  Several enthralling waterfront activities, including Parade of Sails, Search and Rescue Demonstration at Sea, Aerobatics by Hawk aircraft and Water Para Jump by the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) will be part of the PFR.