NB Explains | INS Garuda, premier Naval Air Station of Southern Naval Command completes glorious 70 years of service

INS Garuda , the premier Naval Air Station of the Southern Naval Command in Kerala's Kochi on Thursday (May 11) completed 70 years of glorious service to the Indian Navy. Commissioned on 11 May 1953, it is the oldest Naval Air Station which has been associated with the beginning of Naval aviation.

 

 

 

 

Home to the first amphibious aircraft of the Indian Navy, the Sealanders, it has grown into a full-fledged air base operating some of the finest air assets of the Indian Navy. Also known as the 'Cradle of Naval Aviation', it has the unique distinction of operating the oldest as well as the latest aircraft available in the inventory of the Indian Navy.

 

 

 

 

The history of INS Garuda dates back to early days of the Second World War when Kochi airfield was built in 1941 mainly to set up an RAF experimental station. This experimental station in the form of IAFVR No. 5 Coastal Defence Flight consisting of WAPITI 11 was established in May 41. The flight was later disbanded in Dec 1942. It was in 1943 that a proper RN Air Station was set up at Kochi for the sole purpose of assembling and ferrying out Royal Navy aircraft which were being shipped to India those days in knocked down condition.

 

 

 

 

 

It is pertinent to mention that in 1942, Royal Navy had commissioned a royal Navy Aircraft Repair Yard at Peelamedu, Coimbatore (not Sulur) called 'HMS GARUDA". The Royal Navy Air Station at Kochi used to assemble and deliver aircraft to its parent unit 'HMS Garuda' at Peelamedu. That is how 'Garuda' was used for the first time in Naval context. HMS Garuda at Peelamedu was decommissioned on Sep 1, 1946.

 

On 11 May 1953, Naval Air Station INS Venduruthy II was formally commissioned as INS Garuda. Minister of Defence Organisation Mahavir Tyagi performed the commissioning ceremony. Cdr G Douglas DFC, IN, the senior most Indian Naval Aviator read the commissioning warrant and assumed the command of INS Garuda as its first Commanding Officer.

 

 

 

 

INS Garuda serves as the naval air station and base for the Indian Navy's aviation assets, particularly in the Southern Naval Command. The base is primarily responsible for supporting operations, maintenance, and training activities of naval aircraft and helicopters. INS Garuda plays a crucial role in enhancing Indian Navy's operational capabilities by providing support to various types of aircraft, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. It houses squadrons of naval aircraft such as Sea Harriers, Dornier aircraft, and various types of helicopters, including Sea Kings, Chetaks, and Seaknights.

 

 

 

The naval air station at INS Garuda is equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities necessary for aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and pilot training. It includes hangars, runways, aprons, fuel storage facilities, and other support services required for the smooth functioning of naval aviation operations. In addition to its operational responsibilities, INS Garuda also undertakes training activities for naval aviators, maintenance personnel, and air traffic controllers. The base conducts various courses and exercises to enhance the skills and proficiency of naval aviation personnel.

 

INS Garuda is strategically located on the southwestern coast of India, which allows it to effectively monitor and protect India's maritime interests in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean region. It is an essential component of the Indian Navy's capabilities and contributes significantly to maritime security and defense of the country.

 

 

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