In an impressive ceremony, Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), presided over the Passing Out Parade for the 100th Helicopter Conversion Course at INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamilnadu. The parade marked the culmination of training for 16 pilots, four of whom underwent the rejuvenated Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC) Stage 1 training led by the Indian Navy at Helicopter Training School (HTS), INAS 561. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief awarded the newly inducted pilots with the coveted ‘Golden Wings.’
During his address, the Commander-in-Chief emphasized the importance of safety and courage, particularly when operating small decks at sea. He praised the young pilots for their successful completion of the 100th HCC and highlighted the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the Naval Air arm, with the induction of new aircraft.
Admiral KB Singh (Retd), former CNS, and other veterans who have had the opportunity to witness previous HCC parades, as well as the parents of graduating pilots, were present at the ceremony.
The event recognized the historic 100th Helicopter Conversion Course, with four pilots having completed Stage 1 BHCC training conducted entirely by the Indian Navy, which was previously overseen by the IAF. The graduation ceremony underscored the Naval Air arm’s success and progress in basic helicopter training, and the Commander-in-Chief expressed confidence in its future rapid growth.
The parade demonstrated the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment towards its vision of skilled naval aviation pilots who can fulfil the challenging tasks assigned to them. With the success of the 100th Helicopter Conversion Course and the induction of new aircraft, the ceremony heralds a new era in Naval aviation and augments the Indian Navy’s capabilities to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.
