Visakhapatnam: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, visited the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command (ENC) where he embarked on the stealth frigate INS Himgiri to assess operational preparedness and witness advanced combat drills conducted by the Eastern Fleet, Local Flotilla, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft.
The high-level visit underscored the Navy’s focus on maintaining peak combat readiness amid an increasingly complex maritime security environment. Admiral Tripathi reviewed fleet manoeuvres and integrated drills that simulated realistic threat scenarios, evaluating the force’s ability to deliver precise firepower and respond swiftly to contingencies.
Praising the Eastern Fleet, also known as the Sunrise Fleet or Eastern Sword, the Admiral commended its “seamless coordination, combat-hardened edge, and readiness to respond to any eventuality with speed and precision.” He particularly appreciated the high standards of professionalism displayed across all participating units.
Addressing naval personnel during the visit, Admiral Tripathi reinforced the Navy’s core operational philosophy with a powerful directive: “Notice to steam must remain notice to combat.” The statement highlights the Navy’s emphasis on transitioning instantly from peacetime cruising to full combat readiness without lag.
The CNS lauded the Eastern Naval Command’s sustained efforts in maintaining comprehensive combat power and ensuring that platforms remain operationally available and capable of delivering accurate ordnance on target. He stressed that in the current evolving geopolitical landscape, combat readiness, operational availability, and mission effectiveness must continue as the Indian Navy’s foremost priorities.
The Eastern Naval Command, headquartered in Visakhapatnam, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s eastern seaboard and projecting power across the Bay of Bengal and beyond. This latest review by the CNS is seen as a clear signal of the Navy’s proactive approach towards enhancing deterrence and operational agility in line with India’s growing maritime responsibilities.
Defence Chronicle will continue tracking developments in the Indian Navy’s modernisation and operational posture.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
