Department of Posts, India - Maharashtra and Goa Circle issued a special cover on May 12, 2012 to commemorate 25 glorious years of service to the nation by I.N.S. Viraat.
I.N.S. Viraat (R22): is a Centaur class aircraft carrier in service with the Indian Navy. INS Viraat is the flagship of the Indian Navy, the oldest carrier in service and one of two aircraft carriers based in the Indian Ocean Region. She is the only aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, which operates Sea Harrier fighter jets, Sea King Helicopters, Kamov Helicopters, and Chetak Helicopters.
Motto: Jalameva Yasya, Balameva Tasya' (Sanskrit: "He who rules over the seas is all powerful")
Crest: The crest depicts an eagle with its air power and arrows depicting all-round attack capability.
I.N.S. Viraat was formerly H.M.S. Hermes, was in service with the Royal Navy from 1959 until 1984, and she served as the flagship of the British forces during the 1982 Falklands War. After being sold to India in 1986, the vessel was recommissioned in May 1987 and remains in service with the Indian Navy as the INS Viraat.
Many thanks to my friend, Amit Surana in Mumbai for helping me to get this cover for my collection.
Source: Wikipedia, indiannavy.nic.in
