After 32 Years Of Distinguished Service, The Indian Navy Decommissioned Ins Ajay

The INS Ajay was decommissioned on Monday after 32 years of distinguished service to the nation.

The ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai in the traditional manner, with the national flag, naval ensign, and decommissioning pennant of the ship being lowered for the final time at sunset, signalling the end of the ship’s commissioned service, according to an official release from the government.

The INS Ajay was commissioned on January 24, 1990, in Poti, Georgia, in the former Soviet Union, as part of the 23rd Patrol Vessel Squadron under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding, Maharashtra Naval Area.

The ship remained in active navy duty for more than 32 years and took part in various naval actions, including Op during the Kargil War and Op Parakram in 2001.

The Chief Guest for the event was Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The Guest of Honour was Vice Admiral AG Thapliyal AVSM Bar (Retd), the ship’s first Commanding Officer.

Over 400 people attended the ceremony, including Flag Officers, top officers from the Army, IAF, and CG, officers and men from the commissioning crew, crew from earlier commissions, and the ship’s current crew and families.

The Chief Guest addressed the audience at the ceremony, emphasising the ship’s essential contribution.