INS Ganga

INS Ganga, an indigenously built frigate of the Indian Navy, was decommissioned here on Thursday evening, after over three decades of service.

Commissioned on December 30, 1985, the ship represented a big step forward in the nation's warship building capability, an official statement issued here tonight said.The ceremony was attended by several officers and men, many now retired, who had served on board the ship.

The poignant and impressive ceremony, which saw the naval ensign hauled down for the last time at sunset, was conducted by the last Commanding Officer of the ship Captain NP Pradeep.The chief guest for the ceremony was Vice Admiral A K Bhal, himself a former crew member of the ship from 1989 to 1991.

The special guest of honour for the ceremony was Vice Admiral (Retd) K K Kohli, the first Commanding Officer of INS Ganga.