After 32-long years of yeoman service to the nation, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Ajay – which was forward-deployed in key operations like Op Talwar during the Kargil War in 1999, Op Parakram in 2001 and post Uri attack in 2017 ---will be de-commissioned at Naval Dockyard in south Mumbai on September 19.
During her service, INS Ajay has been operating as part of the 23rd Patrol Vessel Squadron under the operational control of Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area.
The ship’s primary role has been anti-submarine warfare and with her formidable armament of long-range torpedoes and anti-submarines rockets, the submarine hunter has successfully discharged her role of keeping our coasts safe.
During her illustrious stint with the Indian Navy, the ship has been forward-deployed on several occasions including for Op Talwar during the Kargil War in 1999, Op Parakram in 2001 and post Uri attack in 2017, maintaining vigil and remaining ever ready to give a befitting reply to the adversary against any misadventure.
Commissioned in the freezing temperatures of Poti Shipyard of erstwhile Soviet Union, which is presently in Georgia, in 1990, the ship will be decommissioned during the monsoons of Mumbai in an atmosphere filled with emotions and nostalgia.
Decommissioning is a formal, yet very emotional ceremony for a ship, her crew, and the Navy in general. During the decommissioning ceremony to be held on Monday next, the National Flag, Naval Ensign, and the decommissioning Pennant of the ship will be lowered for the last time, at sunset, signifying the end of the ship’s glorious stint with the Indian Navy.
Vice Admiral AG Thapliyal, AVSM - Bar (Retd), the commissioning Commanding Officer of INS Ajay, the very first man who took this war machine to sea, would be the Guest of Honour at the decommissioning ceremony would be
Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command will be the Chief Guest for the ceremony. The event will also be attended by several veterans that had the privilege to serve onboard the ship.