Port Blair, Jan. 31: The Indian Naval Sailboat J-24 from Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) returned Port Blair from Phuket, Thailand, after covering a distance of over 1600 Km. The sailboat manned by two officers and five sailors from the Command undertook the expedition as a curtain raiser to the ongoing MILAN 12 activities. The expedition was flagged off from Port Blair on 17 Jan 12. The boat was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Port Blair and received by CINCAN and other senior officers. The boat was escorted onto the jetty by watercraft of all kinds giving the occasion a festive look.

The skipper Lieutenant HK Singh brought out that the expedition was a test of sailing skills apart from courage and endurance. The sailboat received a warm welcome by the Thai Navy and local populace at Phuket. The team stayed at Phuket for two days prior setting sail for Port Blair and time was utilised to interact with the counterparts of the Thai Navy and convey the message of “Friendship Across the Seas”.

The expedition was escorted to and from Phuket by a Landing Craft Utility-35 from ANC.