Address by Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, at Station Commanders’ Workshop in Visakhapatnam
Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), accompanied by Mrs. Kala Hari Kumar, President Naval Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA), commenced a two-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command on October 10, 2023. Upon arrival, Vice Adm. Rajesh Pendharkar, FOC-in-C, ENC, engaged in discussions with the CNS, providing updates on ongoing operational matters and projects within the Command. As part of his visit, the CNS addressed the Station Commanders’ Workshop, a first-of-its-kind event held in Visakhapatnam, and participated in various other engagements.
Station Commanders Workshop
The 2nd edition of the Station Commanders’ Workshop (SCW 23/2) brought together Station Commanders from across the Navy responsible for administering and providing functional support to operational units. This three-day workshop, held at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam from October 9 to 11, 2023, saw participation from over 100 delegates representing all naval stations, along with officers from Naval Headquarters (NHQ) and Command Headquarters. The workshop focused on key areas such as Infrastructure Development (Works) by Directorate of Works, School Administration by Directorate of Naval Education, Medical Facilities by DGMS(N), and Civilian Administration by Directorate of Civilian Personnel. Additionally, a session on Gati Shakti by Directorate of Logistics was conducted.
Mrs. Kala Hari Kumar, President NWWA, conducted an informative session about NWWA, which was attended by Station Commanders, Unit heads of MOs, NLCs, NAIs, and NWWA members. She highlighted recent initiatives undertaken by NWWA for the benefit of the naval community, underlining the leadership’s role in ensuring community welfare. She also provided updates about the upcoming G20ThINQ event scheduled for November in Mumbai and Delhi.
INS Kora – 25th Anniversary
Admiral R. Hari Kumar joined in the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of INS Kora during his visit to the Eastern Fleet. He interacted with the ships’ company of Eastern Fleet vessels and participated in the traditional Barakhana. This event held special significance as both the CNS and the C-in-C are former Commanding Officers of INS Kora.
World Mental Health Day
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the CNS addressed the Naval community and Defence Civilians, emphasizing the importance and benefits of maintaining sound mental health. The address was broadcast online across all naval stations.
Interactions & Inaugurations
The CNS inaugurated a state-of-the-art Emergency Diesel Generator Facility at Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam, capable of providing 7.5 MW of emergency power backup during natural calamities or prolonged grid shutdowns. He also interacted with the Defence Civilian workforce at Naval Dockyard. At INS Eksila, the CNS was briefed on the ‘AatmaNirbharta’ initiatives of the Indian Navy in maintenance, overhaul, and spare management of Gas Turbine Generators of Indian Naval Ships.
Additionally, the CNS inaugurated a Defence Civilian Accommodation block with 16 Dwelling Units at Pallava Park and an Officers’ Transit Accommodation block with 36 Dwelling Units at Visakhapatnam. These newly constructed units, equipped with modern facilities, aligned with the “Key on Arrival” concept, are expected to significantly enhance morale among naval personnel by addressing shortfalls in Married Accommodation availability.