INAS 334 ‘Seahawks’, the Indian Navy’s pioneering MH 60R Squadron, was commissioned in the esteemed presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), at INS Garuda, Southern Naval Command, Kochi on March 6, 2024. This significant milestone heralded the official induction of these versatile and capable helicopters into service, forming the inaugural MH 60R Naval Air Squadron under the command of Captain M Abhisheik Ram.
Upon his arrival, the CNS was greeted with a Guard of Honour comprising 50 men. The commissioning ceremony commenced with an invocation followed by the reading of the Squadron’s Commissioning Warrant by the Commanding Officer. Subsequently, the Commissioning Plaque was unveiled by the CNS in the presence of V Adm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command. The ceremony was highlighted by a captivating fly-past of the Seahawks and a traditional water cannon salute, commemorating this historic occasion. V Adm Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, V Adm Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, V Adm AN Pramod, Director General Naval Operations, along with other Flag Officers and senior officers, graced the event with their presence.
In his address, the Chief of the Naval Staff hailed the MH 60R helicopter as one of the most formidable multi-role helicopters globally, poised to significantly augment the country’s maritime capabilities and safeguard national interests. He emphasized the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting, preserving, promoting, and pursuing national interests in the maritime domain. With their cutting-edge sensors and multi-mission capabilities, the MH 60Rs are poised to bolster maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, he noted. Commending the officers and sailors of ‘Seahawks’ for the commissioning of INAS 334, he lauded the squadron’s rapid progress in fully integrating with the Fleet. He urged the crew of INAS 334 to maintain their pursuit of excellence and readiness to safeguard the nation’s waters, ensuring safety, security, and stability.
