Kovind on Andhra tour / President inspects naval fleet in Visakhapatnam, Rajnath Singh was also present

President Ram Nath Kovind, who is on a tour of Andhra Pradesh, visited the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on Monday. He was given a 21-gun salute during the 12th Presidents Fleet Review. Kovind also inspected the parade.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was also present in this program. The President inspects the Presidential Fleet of the Indian Navy. The fleet comprises 60 ships, submarines and 55 aircraft. Kovind boarded the naval patrol vessel INS Sumitra. This was followed by a 21-gun salute by the Eastern Naval Command during the 12th edition of the Presidential Fleet Review. The 12th edition of the President's Fleet Review has been organized in Visakhapatnam on the occasion of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence.

The President's Fleet Review is of particular importance. On the occasion of 75th anniversary of India's independence, 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is being celebrated across the country. INS Sumitra is specially designated as the 'President's Yacht'. Kovind will review all the ships participating in the steaming past programme. These ships are present on the Visakhapatnam coast in four rows. The review will have a combination of Navy as well as Coast Guard ships. Ships from SCI and Ministry of Earth Sciences will also participate.

Apart from this, the President will also review the Indian Naval Air Branch in a spectacular fly-past display by several helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. After the review, a special first day cover and a commemorative postage stamp will be issued by the President in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chouhan.

This is the second time that Visakhapatnam is hosting the PFR. Earlier in 2006, the then President APJ Abdul Kalam had reviewed this naval fleet here.