New Delhi: INS Ajay was decommissioned on Monday after rendering 32 years of glorious service to the nation.
The ceremony was conducted at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai in the traditional manner, wherein the national flag, naval ensign and the decommissioning pennant of the ship were lowered for the last time at sunset, signifying the end of the ship’s commissioned service, informed the government through an official release.
INS Ajay was commissioned on January 24, 1990 at Poti, Georgia in the erstwhile USSR and was part of the 23rd Patrol Vessel Squadron under the operational control of Flag Officer Commanding, Maharashtra Naval Area.
The ship was in active naval service for more than 32 years and during her illustrious journey, she participated in several naval operations including Op Talwar during Kargil War and Op Parakram in 2001.
INS Ajay was decommissioned today after rendering 32 years of glorious service to the nation. She participated in several naval operations including Op Talwar during Kargil War and Op Parakram in 2001. The ceremony was conducted at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/GHBXlgbPYv
— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2022
Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command was the Chief Guest for the function. Vice Admiral AG Thapliyal AVSM Bar (Retd), the first Commanding Officer of the ship was the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony was attended by over 400 personnel including Flag Officers, senior officers from Army, IAF and CG, officers and men of the commissioning crew, crew of previous commissions as well as the ships present crew and families.
The Chief Guest addressed the gathering present at the ceremony, highlighting the invaluable service rendered by the ship.
INS Ajay to be decommissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 19 Sep 22, after 32 years of service to Nation.
With her formidable armament of long-range torpedoes & anti-submarines rockets, the “Submarine Hunter” has successfully discharged her role of keeping our coasts safe. pic.twitter.com/mprLZDKVuL
— PRO Nagpur, Ministry of Defence (@PRODefNgp) September 16, 2022