Port Blair, Feb 14: INS Jarawa, the oldest naval establishment in these islands completes fifty years of its raising today. The unit was commissioned at Port Blair on 15 Feb 64. As part of Golden Jubilee celebrations the unit intends conducting a Blood Donation Camp, picnic for sailors and families, movie shows in Dweepika Auditorium and free entry to Ross Island from 13 to 15 Feb 14. A musical evening was also conducted on 05 Feb 14 at Ross Island to commemorate the forthcoming Golden Jubilee, and was a big hit among local and international delegates during Milan 14.

Pre-1962,Indian Naval ships operated in the waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but the real need for a naval base in this area, became a necessity in the changed scenario post 1962.  The decision to establish a forward Naval Base at Port Blair fructified in Nov 1962 when Cdr K Lal was appointed the first Resident Naval Officer (RNO). The advance party arrived in Dec 62, followed by the main party in Feb 63.

INS Jarawa was commissioned by Vice Admiral BS Soman, the then Chief of the Naval Staff on 15 Feb 64. The commissioning of INS Jarawa was followed by the establishment of a Naval Garrison at Port Blair.  At the time of commissioning, since the Commanding Officer was also the RNO, the command functions were carried out from the Navy Office.  The other complexes were housed in buildings hired from A&N Administration at Delanipur, and the present campus became vibrant in 1978. The unit is presently being commanded by

Capt(IN) Sanjay Kumar. As a base depot ship, the unit provides administrative support to HQAndaman & Nicobar Command, the Naval Component.

Besides the above, INS Jarawa is the Naval Recruitment Establishment responsible for recruitment activities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recruitment examinations are conducted twice a year in Mar/Apr and Sep/Oct as per the schedule promulgated by Naval HQ. Recruitment medical examination is conducted at Jarawa MI Room for candidates qualified in written examination and Physical Fitness Test.

The Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre located at Haddo is managed and run by INS Jarawa. The centre has been functioning to promote sailing and other water sports activities, and regular sailing regattas are held. The SCC students are also trained in various watermanship activities. The club has been extending support and its training aids to Port Blair Yatchting Association also. The centre has also conducted J24 Sailing Expeditions to Phuket and Chennai in last two years.

Ross Island, this most sought after tourist destination in Port Blair is maintained by INS Jarawa. Flora and Fauna of the island includes approximately 3500 coconut trees, various varieties of ficus, tamarind, neem, gulmohar, spotted deer (approximately 400) and peacocks (approximately 50).Various infrastructure developments have been undertaken on the island to make it more tourist friendly so that each person feels welcome. A new jetty, accommodation for duty sailors, toilets for visitors, Gazebos and rest huts, pump house, two guest rooms, a helipad and a cafeteria have been constructed over the last few years. Smritika, the Ross Island Museum was also renovated last year and is one of the main source of motivation for the young men and women visiting the island. The unit is also actively participating in the Light and Sound Project at Ross Island. The island is open to visitors on all days except Wednesdays.

The unit maintains a Naval Band which has entertained audiences all across these islands on numerous occasions. The Naval band has been integral part of the Independence Day and Republic Day Parades held at NetajiSubhashStadium. The band has been performing at ITF, Marina Park, Raj Niwas, commissioning ceremonies and at Milan functions. The band has also performed in various national and international musical festivals and Military tattoos. The band concert at Marina Park and Dweepika is a regular feature during Navy Week celebrations and MILAN.

Commanding Officer, INS Jarawa is the station commander of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), which is a comprehensive health care scheme for defence pensioners. The ECHS office is located within the premises of INS Jarawa and the Polyclinic is located at INHS Dhanvantri. The aim of the scheme is to provide comprehensive and quality medical care to ESM and their dependents, widows and family pensioners. ECHS has been providing yeoman services to all ESM of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and has been very prompt to the medical requirements, reimbursement of medical expenses, forwarding cases to main land for advance treatment, processing of smart cards and the general welfare of ESM.

In addition the unit has been proactive in protection of ecology and maintains the fragile balance in its area of responsibility. Towards this the unit has regularly taken tree plantation, beach cleaning, shramdan, awareness program on garbage management and drives against food wastage. The unit also undertakes various social programmes like blood donation camps, visit to Old Age Homes, and conduct of lectures and de-addiction programmes.

INS Jarawa imparts weekly training to the Cadets on Sundays between 0800 to 1230 hrs. Every year fresh admissions are carried out in the month of Sep & Oct and the training sessions commences from the month of Oct. The cadets are groomed to be the model citizens, and are regularly taken on visits onboard Naval ships, imparted Parade training, small arms firing, lectures on seamanship, sporting and sailing activities, swimming and picnics/visits to historical places. The cadets have also been participating in Independence Day and Republic Day Parades held at Netaji Stadium.

INS Jarawa is committed to undertake all activities towards achieving its Vision Statement “To excel in operations and synergise for enhancing administrative support and quality of life”.