INS Satavahana Golden Jubilee (1974-2024), Visakhapatnam - Special Cover

On 21 Dec 1974 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, the premier submarine training establishment, INS Satavahana, under Eastern Naval Command was commissioned by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral SN Kohli at a function that included the investiture ceremony.

The base is named after the great Satavahana Dynasty, which in turn takes the name from the first ruler, Srimukha Satavahana. Ruling over the Deccan for over 400 years - 184 BC to 300 AD, the kingdom is known to have established trade with the Far East - islands of Malaysia and Indonesia.

As an integrated training establishment, for all branches of officers and sailors in the submarine arm, it has the following facilities:

(a) the Submarine School (SMS)

(b) the Escape Training School (ETS), and

(c) the School of Advanced Undersea Warfare (SAUW).

The primary role of this establishment is to impart world class submarine and escape training to meet the stringent performance objectives and exacting standards of the Submarine Arm. It is the only integrated training establishment in the Indian Navy, as it carries out training for all branches of officers and sailors of the Submarine Arm.

Training is also conducted for personnel from foreign navies, thus making it the most sought after submarine training establishments in the whole of South East Asia. Personnel from 25 countries including Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and South Africa have been trained here.

The crest design in its upper half depicts a steering wheel surrounded by a cogged wheel with sparks

emanating from its sides. This represents the integrated type of submarine training being imparted at the establishment to the sailors of the Seaman, Engineering and Electrical branches. The lower half contains a representation of an erstwhile ship taken from a coin of Satavahana dynasty. The motto in Sanskrit, ‘Abhyasaat Sidhi' means, ‘Practice Leads to Achievement’. 

The cover illustration depicting a sailor viewing through periscope is a sculpture at the entrance of INS Satavahana premises.

Text & image Source: Today We Remember - Facebook Page, Wikipedia, Indian Navy - Facebook Page, Bharat-rakshak.com

INS Nirupak (J20) - Decommissioning - Special Cover - 1985-2024 - Visakhapatnam

INS Nirupak (J20) - Decommissioning Ceremony (1985-2024)

Date of Issue: January 29, 2024

A special cover was issued during decomissioning ceremony to honor 38 years of service to the nation. Issued by India Post, Visakhapatnam Region, sponsored by Eastern Naval Command, Govt. of India.

INS Nirupak was built by GRSE, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata and commissioned into the Indian navy at Visakhapatnam naval base in 1985 under Eastern Naval Command.

The primary tasks of INS Nirupak include hydrographic surveys, nautical chart preparation, cartography & training. The ship also has disaster relief capabilities because it can operate as a hospital.

Nirupak's achievements are etched in awards like the prestigious Admiral Jal Cursetji Rolling Trophy for best survey ship, which it bagged in 1994, 1995, 2005, and 2009. Beyond charting the seas, the ship served with distinction in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Notably, it played a critical role as a hospital ship during Operation Gambhir, providing vital relief to Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami.

The meaning of the name 'Nirupak’ is one who is an indicator. The crest design depicts the Indian Ocean and an imaginary dial of a Navigational Geographic Grid, with concentric circles being divided by the eight compass points. The entire image is shown on a Bluish Grey background.

As Nirupak sails into history, it leaves behind a rich legacy of maritime excellence. Its 38 years of service stand as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Indian Navy and its commitment to ensuring safe and secure oceans for all.

Text Source: Wikipedia, Deccan Chronicle, Indian Navy FB page.

Click Here to see other special covers of Indian Navy Ships in my collection.

Special Cover - 2023 - Launching of INS Vindhyagiri Under Project-17 A

Special Cover issued on 17.08.2023 at Kolkata. Cover illustration depicting Howrah Bridge in Kolkata and aerial view of Mazagon Dock, Mumbai, and digital image of INS Vindhyagiri.

Cancellation depicting logo of GRSE and words "Builders of 100+ Warships" and "Strengthening Nation's Maritime Security" in English and Hindi.

Launch of  Project-17A Stealth Frigate - INS Vindhyagiri, by Hon. President of India - Srimati Droupati Murmu.

INS Vindhyagiri is a Nilgiri Class (Project-17A) frigate of The Indian Navy. It was jointly built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai.  Named after the Vindhyagiri Hill in Karnataka, Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship of the P-17A Frigates, which are the advanced version of Shivalik-class frigates with enhanced stealth features, upgraded weapons and sensors and better platform management system on-board. Seen as demonstration of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence sector, this indigenously evolved stealth guided-missile frigate equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Text Source: Wikipedia

Click Here to see other special covers of Indian Navy.

Thanks to Mr. Kanishka Malik, Kolkata for helping me to add this special cover in my collection.

President's Fleet Review 2022 - Visakhapatnam

FDC with Visakhapatnam Cancellation

Date of Issue: February 21, 2022

India Post issued a commemorative stamp of Rs.5.00 denomination on the occasion of President's Fleet Review held at Visakhapatnam.

President Ram Nath Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind conducted the Fleet Review off the Visakhapatnam coast in the Bay of Bengal. As many as 60 ships and 55 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft participated in the mega event.

As the Supreme Commander of our armed forces, every President of India reviews the Indian Naval Fleet once during their term.

The Fleet Review is aimed at assuring the country of the Indian Navy’s preparedness, high morale and discipline.

This is the 12th Fleet Review and the theme was ‘Indian Navy - 75 years in Service of the Nation’, commemorating the Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

After a 21-gun salute and ceremonial guard of honour, the President embarked on the Presidential Yacht, INS Sumitra - an indigenously built naval offshore patrol vessel. Received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Kovind sailed past 44 ships anchored in four columns in the Bay of Bengal and received the ceremonial salute from each of them.

The crew of each ship presented a salute with the traditional ‘Three Jais’, a symbolic act called “Man and Cheer Ship,” in a demonstration of the unconditional allegiance of Navy personnel to the country and the Supreme Commander.

Along with the ships, there was a Parade of Sails, comprising two Laser Bahia, six Enterprise Class and six Indian Naval Sailing Vessels Mhadei, Tarini, Bulbul, Hariyal, Kadalpura and Neelkanth.In addition to the naval warships, ships from the Indian Coast Guard, Shipping Corporation of India and Ministry of Environment Sciences also participated in the review.

Marine Commandos (Marcos) from the Special Operations unit INS Karna on the eastern seaboard, performed combat free-fall water jumps from the Para Dornier aircraft over a designated drop zone from a height of 6,000 feet.

The President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of a composite flypast by 55 aircraft including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks and MiG 29K.

Info Courtesy: newindianexpress.com, onlinewiki.in

Special Cover - INS Ganga (F22) - Decommissioning - 2018

Date of Issue: March 21, 2018

India Post, Maharashtra & Goa Circle issued a special cover to commemorate Decommissioning of INS Ganga, which served the nation for 33 Glorious Years.

INS Ganga (F22) was a Godavari-class guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy. Built in Mumbai by Mazagon Dock Limited, she was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 30 December 1985. The ship completed her post-commissioning trials in a record time of three months and joined the Western Fleet in mid April 1986.  She was retired from active service on 28 May 2017, and was decommissioned on 22 March 2018.

The badge / emblem depicts River Ganges flowing through mountain ranges.

Info Courtesy: Wikipedia.com

 

Special Cover - Indian Naval Signal School, Kochi - Diamond Jubilee (1958-2018)

 

Date of Issue: March 14, 2018

India Post, Kerala Circle issued a special cover to commemorate Diamond Jubilee of Indian Naval Signal School located in Kochi.

Click Here to view special cover issued for Golden Jubilee of Indian Naval Signal School, Kochi.

The crest depicts two crossed hand flags and radio waves, to show Visual Signalling and Wireless
Communication.  The motto in Sanskrit reads 'Yunjan Chakshu, Shrotram Manaha' meaning 'Open your Eyes, Ears, and Mind."

The  first signal school was established as a temporary establishment, at Carnac Bunder in 1919. It was converted into a permanent establishment in 1920 inside Naval Dockyard. In 1939, the school was commissioned as HMIS Talwar and was relocated to a permanent building in Colaba which is now the MT Pool.  The school was shifted to Cochin in August 1946. During the years that followed the signal school was housed successfully in several temporary buildings around the present Command Parade Ground.

The role of signal school is to develop highly qualified personnel with requisite expertise in Naval Communication, Electronic Warfare, and Information Warfare by keeping abreast of changing technological environment with sound technical knowledge and professional acumen so as to optimally exploit the naval communication, electronic warfare equipment, procedures, and network enabled information structure.

 Source:  indiannavy.nic.in

Special Cover - Maritime Warfare Center, Kochi - Diamond Jubilee (1957-2017)

 

Date of Issue: July 05, 2018

A special cover issued by India Post, Kerala Circle to commemorate 60 Years (Diamond Jubilee) of Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi. The cancellation resembles the design of the crest, of a chessboard and a seahorse as pawn representing the role of the school, i.e. training ground for maritime warfare and tactics.

The Maritime Warfare Center, Kochi is one of the premier institutions of Indian Navy for maritime warfare and tactics. Its vision is to enhance navy-wide knowledge base in applied tactics and operational art to assure effectiveness across the spectrum of maritime warfare. It's mission is to become a global level centre of excellence in maritime warfare through highest quality of ab-initio training specialist level education, command at sea consolidation and tactical analysis cum wargaming.

Info Courtesy: indiannavy.nic.in

Singapore - India Maritime Bilateral Exercise - 25th SIMBEX

Date of Issue: November 19, 2018

25th SIMBEX - Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise

The 25th edition of SIMBEX, “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise” is scheduled to be held from November 10- 21, 2018 in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

The 2018 edition marks the silver jubilee of SIMBEX.  To mark the historical occasion, the navies of both nations are undertaking exercises over an extended geography.

Indian Fleet
The Indian Navy is being represented this year by the Ranvir class destroyer – INS Ranvijay, two Project 17 multirole stealth frigates – INS Satpura and INS Sahyadri, the Project 28 ASW corvette - INS Kadmatt, the Project 25A missile corvettes, INS Kirch, the OPVs INS Sumedha and INS Sukanya, the Fleet Support Ship, INS Shakti, a Sindhughosh Class submarine, INS Sindhukirti, the P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol and ASW aircraft from INAS 312, Dornier 228 Maritime Patrol aircraft from INAS 311, Mk 132 Hawk AJTs from INAS 551 and integral helicopters such as the UH3H, Seaking 42 B, Seaking 42C and Chetak utility helicopters.

Singaporean Fleet
The Singapore Navy is being represented by two Formidable Class stealth frigates - RSS Formidable and RSS Steadfast, one Littoral Mission Vessel - RSS Unity, two Missile Corvettes, RSS Vigour and RSS Valiant, an Archer class Submarine, RSS Swordsman, ‘Swift Rescue’ a Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), a Fokker F50 maritime reconnaissance aircraft, embarked S70B helicopters and Scan Eagle unmanned aerial systems. 

Key Highlights
• The 2018 edition of the bilateral maritime exercise will be the largest edition since 1994 in terms of scale and complexity.
• The initial harbour phase will be held at Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from November 10-12, which will be followed by sea phase from November 12-16 in the Andaman Sea. 
• The second harbour phase will be held from November 16- 19 at Visakhapatnam – ‘the City of Destiny’. 
• The harbour phase would include programmes such as a silver jubilee commemoration ceremony, various professional and training interactions, 10 Km ‘Friendship Run’ during the Annual Vizag-Navy Marathon, social evening and joint cultural programmes to commemorate the 25th anniversary. 
• The final sea phase would be held in the Bay of Bengal from November 19-21. 
• The SIMBEX 2018 will witness a diverse range of exercises at sea ranging from live weapon drills including multiple missile firings, Heavy Weight Torpedo (HWT) and medium range gun/ anti submarine rocket firings, advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercises, submarine rescue demonstrations, integrated Surface and Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations and cross deck helicopter flying among others.

Info Courtesy: jagranjosh.com

Western Naval Command, Mumbai - Golden Jubilee 1968 - 2018

Date of Issue: December 12, 2018

The Western Naval Command is a formation of the Indian Navy. It has its HQ in Mumbai, Maharashtra and is commanded by Vice Admiral Girish Luhtra.

It utilizes Mumbai and Karwar as its home ports, with INS Kunjali its HQ in Mumbai. The fleet at the WNC is based under Flag Officer Maharashtra Area (FOMA) and provides naval defence in the sensitive north Arabian Sea adjacent to Pakistan. INS Kadamba, a large naval base, was constructed under Project Seabird and completed in 2005. This naval base, at Karwar in Karnataka, is used exclusively by the Indian Navy.

Commissioning of INS Chennai - Project 15A Stealth Destroyer

Date of Issue: November 21, 2016

INS Chennai (D65) is the third ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided missile destroyers of the Indian

Navy. She was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) located in Mumbai. INS Chennai is the last of the three ships built under the code name Project 15A.

INS Chennai was commissioned on 21 November 2016 by the Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. INS Chennai is the first naval ship named after Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu.

The cancellation, which is also the crest of INS Chennai depicts Fort St. George, in Chennai, marina beach, and a sloop on blue and white waves.

The motto is Shatro Sanharaka, which means, "Vanquisher of Enemies."

Text Source: Wikipedia

Indian Naval Aviation - Golden Jubilee - (1953 - 2003)

Date of Issue: May 11, 2003
Place of Issue: Ernakulam

New addition to my collection, but issued 13 years ago..!!! Never knew such cover existed. not seen even in ebay or with any dealer since I restarted collecting since 2008. Happy to add it in my collection today.

The Indian Naval Air Arm is a branch of Indian Navy which is tasked to provide an aircraft carrier based strike capability, fleet air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare.

Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) at Goa appears to direct the field operations of the air arm. FONA also serves as the Navy's Flag Officer Goa Area (FOGA).

The first naval air station, INS Garuda, was inaugurated in Cochin on 11 May 1953.

Click here to see special cover issued to commemorate 60 Years of Naval Aviation, in 2013.

INS Valsura - Golden Jubilee - 1942 - 2002

Date of Issue: December 15, 2002

Many thanks to my new friend and swap partner, Mr. Jaydev, The Right Honourable Shri Nansey of Jamnagar, for providing me this special cover for my collection.

INS Valsura: located in Rozi Island in the Gulf of Kutch, 5 km from Jamnagar, is a premier training establishment of the Indian Navy.

HMIS Valsura was commissioned by Colonel Digvijay Singhji, the Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, on December 15, 1942 as the Torpedo Training School of The Royal Indian Navy. The name Valsura means Swordfish , which was also the name of the most common torpedo carrying aircraft of the Royal Navy. Post- Independence, the establishment was renamed Indian Naval Ship Valsura.

The Second World War saw a sudden spurt in the use of electricity on board warships, with intensive use of

radio equipment, early warning and gunnery radar and introduction of computers and fire control systems. The course of the war soon determined that torpedo training was very much required and as a consequence, electrical training.

To counter the menace created by the German U-boats to Allied shipping during World War II, formation of the Electrical Branch in the Indian Navy in 1947, resulted in INS Valsura becoming the alma mater for the electrical branch. Since then, thousands of officers and sailors have passed out of its portals to take care of a wide array of systems on-board and offshore in combat.

INS Valsura is one of the oldest establishments of the Indian Navy. While keeping pace with the recent technological developments, the establishment is striving for excellence in technology. It has its roots firm in the service ethos of character building and an all-round development of the trainees. INS Valsura undertakes training of officers, sailors and civilian personnel of the Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign navies in electrical, electronics, computer and weapon engineering disciplines. Professional training for electrical artificers and power & radio branch sailors is also conducted here.

The picture above is the crest of INS Valsura. The motto below the crest translates to - "The light that emanates from here illuminates the whole world."

Source: insvalsura.gov.in, Bharat-Rakshak.com

60 Years of Indian Naval Aviation (1953 - 2013)

Date of Issue: May 11, 2013

The Department of Posts, India - Maharashtra and Goa Circle issued a Special Cover to commemorate 60 Years (Diamond Jubilee) of Indian Naval Aviation, at a function held at INS Hansa, Goa.

The cover is creatively designed, with timeline showing the type of aircrafts inducted into the Naval Aviation arm over the last 60 years, and the newly commissioned MiG-29k fighter jet.

The first naval air station, INS Garuda, was inaugurated in Cochin on May 11, 1953.

Commissioning of INAS 303 MiG-29 Aircraft - Black Panthers

Date of Issue: May 11, 2013

The Department of Posts, India - Maharashtra and Goa circle issued a Special Cover to commemorate the Commissioning of Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 303 of MiG-29 Aircraft. Also called Black Panthers. On the right, is the Crest of INAS 303.

Defence Minister AK Antony commissioned the first MiG-29 K - supersonic fighter jets squadron into the Indian Navy at the INS Hansa in Goa, on May 11, 2013.

India has about 45 MiG-29K which have cost the exchequer $2.4 billion (over Rs. 13,200 crore). A squadron each will be positioned on board INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously-made aircraft carrier - INS Vikrant - that is expected to be launched on July 12, 2013. Till then the planes will fly from Goa.

This is the first-induction of fighters in the Navy since the Sea Harriers were commissioned in early 1980s.

In the 60 years of the Fleet Air Arm, this is the first time that the Indian Navy will be operating the aircraft that can fly faster than the speed of sound. Moreover, the ability of the MiG-29K to stay in air, cover distance with weapons is about four times more than the existing British made Sea Harrier aircraft. The MiG-29 can also be refuelled mid-air allowing it to cover longer distances.

"The MiG-29 K will be a game changer in Indian Ocean region. It will allow us to fly longer distances and maintain a better vigil. The arc of the influence of the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean region now stands increased and strengthened," Flag officer Commanding Western Naval Command Admiral Shekhar Sinha, who is also senior-most aviator of the Indian Navy, said.

Source: Wikipedia, strapost.com, ndtv.com

Indian Coast Guard Ship Ahalyabai - Silver Jubilee

Date of Issue: September 09, 2012

Indian Coast Guard Ship Ahalyabai named after the Queen of Maheshwar, celebrated the 25th anniversary of its service to the nation on September 09, 2012.

The ship, like the great queen, has protected the vast coastline of the Indian subcontinent, in addition to its Coast Guard charter of duties, like search and rescue and pollution control.

In a fitting tribute to the ship, a special cover and a photo journal depicting the operations of Ahalyabai were released by the Chief Guest, Inspector General SP Sharma, Commander Coast Guard Region (East), at a grand ceremony at the VOC Port, Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), in the presence of the Post Master General (PMG) Kulbir Singh and other civil dignitaries.

The 44.9-meter-long Indian Coast Guard Ship was commissioned in Singapore on September 9, 1987 under the reins of the then Deputy Commandant SPS Basra.

Over the last 25 years, 19 commanding officers have been at its helm, and the ship has sailed more than 3 lakh nautical miles covering the Indian EEZ, resulting in the seizure of gold worth half a billion rupees and contraband worth 30 million. Over the last 25 years, the ship has operated from three different base ports -- Haldia, Mumbai and Thoothukudi.  The PMG said that this is the first time that a special cover is being released to commemorate the Silver Jubilee anniversary of a ship.

Source: NewIndianExpress - 10.09.2012

Indian Naval Signal School, Kochi - 50 Glorious Years (1958 - 2008)

Date of Issue: March 08, 2008

The Department of Posts, Kerala Circle issued special cover to commemorate 50 Years of Indian Naval Signal School, Kochi.

The crest depicts two crossed hand flags and radio waves, to show Visual Signalling and Wireless Communication.  The motto in Sanskrit reads 'Yunjan Chakshu, Shrotram Manaha' meaning 'Open your Eyes, Ears, and Mind."

The  first signal school was established as a temporary establishment, at Carnac Bunder in 1919. It was converted into a permanent establishment in 1920 inside Naval Dockyard. In 1939, the school was commissioned as HMIS Talwar and was relocated to a permanent building in Colaba which is now the MT Pool.  The school was shifted to Cochin in August 1946. During the years that followed the signal school was housed successfully in several temporary buildings around the present Command Parade Ground.

The role of signal school is to develop highly qualified personnel with requisite expertise in Naval Communication, Electronic Warfare, and Information Warfare by keeping abreast of changing technological environment with sound technical knowledge and professional acumen so as to optimally exploit the naval communication, electronic warfare equipment, procedures, and network enabled information structure.

 Source:  indiannavy.nic.in

I.N.S. Viraat - 25 Years of Service - 1987 - 2012

Issue Date: May 12, 2012

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

Special Cover - Kachchhpex 2005 - Dredgers

Date of Issue: November 30, 2005

A special cover was issued during Kachchhpex - Kachchh District-level Philatelic Exhibition, the cover sponsored by Jaisu Shipping Company P. Ltd. Kandla Port.

The cover illustration mentions "Role of Shipping in growth of Indian Economy" and depicts two of the dredgers from the fleet of Jaisu Shipping Company.

Dredger:  A dredger (or “dredge” as is the general usage in the Americas) is any device, machine, or vessel that is used to excavate and remove material from the bottom of a body of water. For example, a scoop attached to the end of a rope or pole by which a man can draw sediments up from the bottom of a pond is a dredger. Developing this idea further, a motorized crane equipped with a drag bucket or clamshell (grabber) that is used to scoop material from the bottom of a body of water is also a dredger. The crane could be located on the bank, or perhaps mounted on a barge. If the crane is mounted on a barge, the entire vessel is referred to as a dredger.

Kamal XXV:  Formerly Kutch Vallabh, built in 1975 at Mazagon Dock Yard, Mumbai and rebuilt in 1998 is a type of Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger - (TSHD) that trails its suction pipe when working, and loads the dredge spoil into one or more hoppers in the vessel. When the hoppers are full, the TSHD sails to a disposal area and either dumps the material through doors in the hull or pumps the material out of the hoppers. Some dredges also self-offload using drag buckets and conveyors.

Kamal XXVI:  Built in 1989 is a type of Rock Bucket Ladder Dredger - A bucket dredger is equipped with a bucket dredge, which is a device that picks up sediment by mechanical means, often with many circulating buckets attached to a wheel or chain. Some bucket dredgers and grab dredgers are powerful enough to rip out coral to make a shipping channel through coral reefs.

Source: Wikipedia, www.jaisu.in

Commissioning of INS Sagardhwani (A 74)

This cover is latest addition to my collection. Special cover issued in July 30, 1994, on the event of Commissionong of INS Sagardhwani - Marine Acoustic Research Ship (MARS) of Indian Navy, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata.

The hull and machinery are very similar to the Sandhayak Class survey vessels, but there are marked superstructure differences with the bridge positioned amidships and a helicopter platform forward. The vessel has been configured as a research vessel for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi. The vessel is also based there. There are two large cranes and a gantry for deploying and recovering research equipment.

There are a total of eight labs to permit conducting acoustic, geological, meteorological, chemical and physical oceanography. Most of the laboratories are acoustically isolated from the ship's structure. Among the first vessels in the Indian Navy with accommodations for female personnel. Carries 116 tons fresh water. The vessel is painted white except for the lift equipment and two rescue boats which are painted in orange. The vessel was employed in advanced torpedo trials and missile range support.

Source: Bharat-Rakshak.com

Kolkata Port Trust

Date of Issue: October 17, 2003

This cover was recent addition to my collection.

The cover was issued on occasion of 133 years of the Kolkata Port Trust, in 2003. (1870 - 2003). The concept for this special cover was by Mr. Dipok Dey, and designed by Mr. Sankhajit Jana.

Port of Kolkata:  The Port of Kolkata is a riverine port in the city of Kolkata, India. It is the oldest operating port in India, having originally been constructed by the British East India Company, after the company received trading rights from the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb.

Following the shift of power from the company to the British crown, a port commission was set up in 1870. Though the port was conceived to be a commercial port and gateway of eastern India, the port played a very important role in the Second World War. It was bombed twice by the Japanese forces. After the independence, the Commissioners for the Port of Kolkata was in responsibility of the port till January 1975 when Major Port Trusts Act, 1963, came into force.

The Port has two distinct dock systems - Kolkata Docks at Kolkata and a deep water dock at Haldia Dock Complex, Haldia.

In the 19th century, Kolkata Port was the premier port in British India. After independence its importance decreased because of factors including the Partition of Bengal (1947), reduction in size of the port hinterland and economic stagnation in eastern India. In the 21st century due to the east Indian economic recovery and infrastructure improvements, the port grew swiftly to become the nation's third largest container port. It was one of India's fastest growing ports in 2004-05.

Text Source: Wikipedia