PAST FLEET REVIEWS

In a tradition inherited from the British Navy, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces reviews the Navy as if on Parade. Traditionally, the President of India reviews the Indian Fleet once during his tenure in office. There have, however, been two occasions when reviews were done by other personages- by the Shah of Iran in 1956 and by Defence Minister YB Chavan in 1964 on behalf of President S Radhakrishnan who was indisposed.

The Presidential Review is an impressive ceremony, second only to the Republic Day Parade. Naval ships and ships from maritime organisations like the Coast Guard, the Merchant Navy, the National Institute of Oceanography, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission, Training Ship Rajendra and Naval Yard craft are anchored precisely in neat lines and dressed overall.

The President embarks in a naval ship nominated as the Presidential Yacht which flies the President's Colour. After receiving a 21 gun salute, the President reviews the Fleet by cruising past each line of ships. Each ship's side is manned by her ships company in white ceremonial uniform. As the President passes by, each ships company, in unison, `take off' their caps in salutation and give three resounding `Jais'.

At sunset, all ships at the anchorage participate in a fireworks display. With the ships covering a wide expanse, the entire harbour appears to be aflame. As darkness descends, all ships, in unison, switch on their garlands of lights which accentuate their silhouettes.

To date, all reviews have been held in Bombay Harbour.  This is the first time the President's Fleet Review is being held in Visakhapatnam Harbour (12 Feb 2006).