WNC Golden Jubilee Ride for Coastal Security

Western Naval Command Golden Jubilee Celebration

To commemorate Golden Jubilee of the Western Naval Command, the Goa Naval Area  conducted a Motorcycle Expedition to help spread awareness of coastal security to the civilian population. The rally was organised in association with Royal Enfield. The team rode 10 Royal Enfield, Himalayan Bikes. Thirty six Naval Officers including  a woman officer lead by The Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area, Rear Admiral Phillipose G Pynumootil, NM participated in the expedition which traversed the coastal route of the Indian Peninsula from the West to the East coast. 

The expedition was divided into five legs and completed in 22 days. Four participants  rode the entire length from Jamanagar to Kolkata, while the remaining riders participated in various legs. The rally was inaugurated from Jamnagar on 01 May 18 by the Commanding Officer, INS Valsura. Thereafter, the official Flagg off was undertaken at Mumbai on 05 May 18 by Rear Admiral Rajesh Pendarkar, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command.

The main aim of the expedition was to spread awareness about  coastal security amongst the civilian population enroute the ride. The expedition also aimed to Explore the rich Maritime Heritage of our nation and instill a spirit of adventure amongst Naval Personnel and the youth of our country and develop espirit-de-corps.

During the ride, bikers were given grand reception at numerous places like Goa, Karwar, Ezhimala,Kochi, Vizag and Chilka by the respective naval units. Throughout the ride, the participants interacted with local population at various places towards spreading the message on  coastal security and the important role Indian Navy plays towards ensuring the same. Also, the bikers visited numerous landmarks and places which have cultural, historical, mythological,  traditional and maritime importance. Dandi Memorial, Mumbai Dockyard, Kanyakumari, Pamban Bridge, Dhanushkodi, Puducherry, Howrah Bridge are to name a few. The riders also visited a few famous light houses during their ride of 22 days. The historical lighthouses included Prongs light house at Mumbai, Mt Dilli, Cannanore,Kollam, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, Pamban, Puducherry, Ramyapatnam, Kakinada, Dolphin Nose, Gopalpur,Paradeep, Balasore and Dariapur. 

After 22 days of ride, the rally culminated at Kolkata on 22 May 18. The motorcade was received by the Commanding Officer INS Netaji Subhas and NOIC(WBG), Commodore Suprobho K De, NM. The last reception of the team after a twenty one day ride was befitting to the occasion as the team was felicitated and appreciated by the Commanding officer Local Populare and the media  for its hard work, dedication, planning and successful execution of the expedition extending more than 6000 kms long. The Sea Riders Patrol was one of the many attempts of the Indian Navy in raising awareness about coastal security with the masses and would certainly not be the last one too. The Indian Navy, in association with the common man, would continuously strive to work for a safer and secure coastline to protect the interests of our county on land.