In a poignant ceremony at Port Blair on January 12, 2024, the Indian Navy bid adieu to three stalwart warriors, INS Cheetah, INS Guldar, and INS Kumbhir. These Polnocny Class Landing Ships, commissioned between 1984-1986, served the nation with distinction for nearly four decades. The decommissioning event, marked by traditional rituals, witnessed the lowering of the National Flag, Naval Ensign, and Decommissioning Pennants at sunset, signaling the end of an era in the maritime history of the Indian Navy.
A Glorious Legacy:
Built at Gdynia Shipyard, Poland, these amphibian platforms became an integral part of the Indian Navy in 1984-1986. Shri S K Arora (Cheetah and Guldar) and Shri A K Das (Kumbhir), then Ambassadors of India to Poland, graced their commissioning ceremonies. The commanding officers, Cdr V B Mishra, Lt Cdr SK Singh, and Lt Cdr J Banerjee, played pivotal roles in the ships’ illustrious journeys.
Operational Years:
During their active service, Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir were based initially at Kochi, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, respectively, before being re-based at Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). Over nearly 40 years, these ships collectively covered approximately 17 lakh nautical miles and spent over 12,300 days at sea. As integral components of ANC, they conducted over 1300 beaching operations, facilitating the landing of army troops ashore.
Contributions and Operations:
The trio participated in various Maritime Security Missions and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Notable among their contributions were during Operation Aman as part of IPKF operations, Operation Tasha in May 1990 to curb smuggling and illegal immigration, and significant roles in post-1997 cyclone relief off Sri Lanka and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Farewell Ceremony:
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, CINCAN, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, DCNS, Flag Officers, former Commanding Officers, and the commissioning crew of the three ships attended the decommissioning ceremonies at Port Blair. The event held added significance as three warships of the same class were decommissioned simultaneously on a single day, marking a rare chapter in the history of the Indian Navy.
End of an Era:
The decommissioning of INS Cheetah, INS Guldar, and INS Kumbhir represents the closure of a significant chapter in the Indian Navy’s history. These ships, with their exceptional service record, have left an indelible mark on the maritime landscape, embodying the values of dedication, resilience, and service to the nation.
Conclusion:
As the sun set on the decommissioning day, INS Cheetah, INS Guldar, and INS Kumbhir concluded their remarkable journeys, leaving behind a legacy of service, sacrifice, and valor. The Indian Navy, along with the entire nation, salutes these maritime icons for their decades-long commitment to safeguarding the seas and contributing to the country’s maritime security and well-being.