INS Netaji Subhas - Golden Jubilee (2004)

Date of Issue: December 04, 2004

I am happy and proud to display this cover here today, December 04, celebrated as Navy Day in India. This was the day when the Indian Navy played a significant role in the bombing of Karachi harbor in the 1971 war. The name given to the attack was Operation Trident which was launched on December 4. Owing to its success, the day of the attack has been celebrated as Navy Day ever since.

I take this opportunity to salute the heroes of war and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the war.

INS Netaji Subhas - "INS Netaji Subhas is situated on the bank of river Hoogly, Kolkata, close to Fort William in Hastings area. The point of reference are Hastings Chapel, Ordnance Club and Marine House.

The Indian Navy and the Royal Indian Marine had their offices in Kolkata from the days of the East Indian Company. Certainly, the Hydrographic branch were employed there, and commissioned the voyages of discovery in the Bay of Bengal.

INS Hoogly was renamed INS Netaji Subhas on the 05th July 1974.

INS Netaji Subhas is the depot ship at Kolkata and she provides logistics and administrative support to all units, visiting ships and ships under construction. In addition to this the establishment also provides support to Andaman Nicobar Island." - Source: Indian Navy Information Resource & Facilitation Center

The stamp on the cover is INS Tarangini with cancellation of Indian Navy Ensign and the cachet displays the Crest of INS Netaji Subhas.