Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) Captain Naveen Thapa, NM (03644-F)

Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) Captain Naveen Thapa, NM (03644-F)

The officer as Capt of Aircraft of Seaking 42 C, on 25 Jan 19 displayed  exceptional courage in saving the lives of five Indian Coast Guard officers (including one woman officer) and one Indian Army Jawan in the face of extremely rough sea conditions, perilous weather in the pitch dark night conditions after their Seabird class sailing boat had capsized. At about 2140 hrs on 25 Jan 19, Marine Commando Flight at INS Shikra launched SC 555 for Search and Rescue of a  capsized Seabird Class Sailing boat around 3 miles from the coast with six missing service personnel. Despite marginal weather, strong winds and pitch dark night conditions view dark phase of the night, the officer, undertook the mission. Owing to his experience and knowledge, the officer decided to use Night Vision Goggles (despite unsuitable conditions and the risk of getting dazzled) and located the survivors in one and half hour given the extremely strong winds and severe turbulence. Upon locating the survivors, the officer commenced the arduous task of maintaining hover over the cluster of survivors to facilitate speedy recovery of all. The conditions were extremely demanding and required courage, composure with exceptional piloting skills to operate the aircraft closer to its limits. The officer concentrated on maintaining constant situational awareness whilst simultaneously assisting the rear crew during the winching up of all six survivors.  As the captain of the aircraft, the exceptional courage, bravery and fortitude displayed by the officer in the face of extremely dangerous conditions resulted in the successful rescue of 06 service personnel. Captain Naveen Thapa, NM (03644-F) is recommended for the award of “Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)”.