INS Netaji Subhas

Historical Background

The Naval presence in the port city of erstwhile Calcutta began, prior to World War II, with a small HMI Naval Office under a Naval Control of Shipping Officer, in the then Marine House. The strategic importance of the port of Calcutta during World War II made it necessary for the Allied presence in India to bring up a naval presence to safeguard and strengthen its maritime assets in East India which would also augment the capability to provide logistic support to Allied Units and later Indian Naval Ships operating in the Bay of Bengal. Thus from Marine House in 1940 to a more conspicuous HMIS Hoogly in 1943044 to INS Hoogly port Independence grew the Naval footprint in the East. With INS Hoogly being rechristened INS Netaji Subhas in 05 July 1974, the base witnessed a gradual metamorphosis with the growing importance of the Eastern Seaboard in relation to trade, security and diplomacy.

Function / Role

Primary role of INS Netaji Subhas and its additional units are to provide logistic & admin support to visiting ships and ships under construction as well as seaward defence of the ports of Kolkata and Haldia. The base is assisted in its duties by additional units like WOT, MTU, ETMU, NAI, NLC, NCB(DH), 5N Det. etc.

Achievements

Keeping abreast to the latest developments in relation to coastal security, regular river patrols by personnel of the newly formed SPB have been introduced. Presently there are two FICs in operation off Kolkata. The SPB operations commenced from March 12 by a total of 08 sailors (05 on permanent duty and 03 o ty duty from NOIC(APD) resources). Regular participation in civil-military liaison meeting on Coastal Security initiatives and interaction with fishing community are carried out to spread security awareness in coastal areas.

NAS Diamond Harbour

A Naval Selection Board is coming up adjacent to NCB(DH). Sanctioned by the Govt. of India in 2006 the project got final approval in 23 Mar 2009. construction activities commenced from Nov 2010 . he infrastructure will cater for the Officer’s, sailor’s and applicant accommodations, offices, examination and assessment sheds and obstacle facilities, vehicle sheds, and a MI Room. Riverbank protection to prevent land erosion due to tidal activities have also been initiated. The NSB is likely to be commissioned and functional by Jun 2013. Other Naval land holding at Kulpi and at Haldia are in advance stages of planning for utilisation as FOB and Helo operating bases.

Official Twitter Handle of INS Netaji Subhash : @IN_NetajiSubhas