Mumbai, September 16. The sunset of September 19, 2022 will mark an end to the glorious voyage of Indian Naval Ship Ajay, as she is decommissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai after rendering 32 years of yeoman service to the nation. Commissioned in the freezing temperatures of Poti Shipyard of erstwhile Soviet Union, which is presently in Georgia, the ship will be decommissioned during the monsoons of Mumbai in an atmosphere filled with emotions and nostalgia.
Decommissioning is a formal, yet very emotional ceremony for a ship, her crew, and the Navy in general. During the decommissioning ceremony, the National Flag, Naval Ensign, and the decommissioning Pennant of the ship will be lowered for the last time, at sunset, signifying the end of the ship’s commissioned service.
During her service, INS Ajay has been operating as part of the 23rd Patrol Vessel Squadron under the operational control of Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area. The ship’s primary role is anti-submarine warfare and with her formidable armament of long-range torpedoes and anti-submarines rockets, the submarine hunter has successfully discharged her role of keeping our coasts safe. During her illustrious career spanning more than three decades, the ship has been forward-deployed on several occasions including for Op Talwar during the Kargil War in 1999, Op Parakram in 2001 and post Uri attack in 2017, maintaining vigil and remaining ever ready to give a befitting reply to the adversary against any misadventure.
The Guest of Honour for the decommissioning ceremony would be Vice Admiral AG Thapliyal, AVSM – Bar (Retd), the commissioning Commanding Officer of INS Ajay, the very first man to take this war machine to sea. Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command will be the Chief Guest for the ceremony. The event will also be attended by several veterans that had the privilege to serve onboard the ship.
