By Anuriti Sarkar
Liv’ED It: It is an ED original style where we write about our personal experiences on experiencing and reviewing any app/place/website which gives us a feeling of coming back for more.
Many of you may have travelled in a cruise ship, and oh! Isn’t it the most luxurious and relaxing way to admire the ocean? Or maybe a sailboat or yatch! A perfect way to spend a breezy afternoon.
You won’t feel like leaving the sea, it’s that exciting and soothing. But have you ever given a thought about the officers who are always on a warship? Ever wondered how it would be to actually be on a warship and experience the feels of a warzone?
Well, I’d say, REMARKABLE!
Being an Aquaphile, I have always loved the ocean and seas, basically all kinds of water bodies. So it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
It all started when I had entered into this painting competition and had won. As the competition is always held by the Eastern Naval Command few days before the Navy Day, they have a different way to give away the prizes.
That is they take the winners on a ship and on a trip to the sea! And guess what? It wasn’t just any ship, it was a warship! Which was, INS Jalashwa, the largest amphibious warship of India!!
The beginning of the journey
We arrived at the dockyard early in the morning, where they lined us up and we were given few instructions related to safety and other details. After we were on board, the prizes were given by the rear admiral to all the winners and then the journey started.
Highlights
As the ship started sailing into the deep waters, the action started to begin. In a while the whole sea was turned into a role-play of a warzone. All kinds of rescue operations and attacking on the enemy ships were demonstrated.
It felt like I was really there, in between a war! They started off with demonstrating how firing takes place by corvettes and then the search and rescue operations by helicopters. It was one of the amazing sights of the day.
They showed us how they search a person drowning and send a rope from the helicopter to rescue them. It was such a perfect and well planned execution. Also, Underway Replenishment was one of the best.
In the middle of the sea, they transferred fuel, stores and other required munitions from one ship to another. One inspiring fact was that the officer in charge, the one doing the tasks, was a lady officer! Along with these there were many other operations demonstrated.
It was an exhilarating experience, the cool breezy weather, the wonderful sea and the real time action. I am really thankful for having the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the various naval operations and stunts, which are actually performed during a war.
After this there was a tour given by few personnel informing us about the weapons and other equipments on the ship.
A diverse view
As the demonstrations ended and food was served, we headed back to the dock. On the way back, there was this wonderful site near the hills. A temple, a mosque and a church at the same place, one after the other, which shows that faith in humanity and diversity isn’t lost yet.
Experience
A unique and wonderful way to spend a day at sea. It was very fascinating and inspiring to know about how the naval commanders and officers work and how difficult it is, yet they have pledged to keep our country safe through thick and thin.
I was obliged to be given such an opportunity to experience how it is like. And of course, I salute the bravery and the courage of these officers and commanders!
Recommendation
If you ever plan on visiting Visakhapatnam, try visiting around the Navy Day i.e. during the months of November-December. Do attend the amazing jet plane and other warfare demonstrations to have that perfect thrilling experience.
Along with the other warships also check out the submarine INS Kursura near RK Beach which is one thing you shouldn’t miss at all. Trust me, it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
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http://edtimes.in/2017/03/surajkund-is-not-just-known-for-its-crafts-mela-we-lived-it/