Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): President Ram Nath Kovind, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, is reviewing the Naval Fleet comprising over 60 ships and submarines, and 55 aircraft at Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam today. This will be the twelfth Fleet Review and has a special significance that it is being conducted on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India's Independence being celebrated as 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' across the Nation.
The President's Yacht is an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sumitra, which will lead the Presidential Column. The yacht will be distinguished by the Ashoka Emblem on her side and will fly the President's Standard on the Mast. After a Ceremonial Guard of Honour and a 21 Gun Salute, the President will embark on the Presidential Yacht INS Sumitra that would sail through 44 ships lined up at anchorage off Vizag coast.
The review will have a combination of ships from the Indian Navy as well the Coast Guard. Ships from SCI and the Ministry of Earth Sciences will also be participating. In this most formal of naval ceremonials, each ship dressed in full regalia will salute the President as he passes. The President will also be reviewing the Indian Naval Air Arm in a display of spectacular fly-past by several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. In the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines will steam past the Presidential Yacht. This display will also showcase the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy.