Unveiling of a 30-foot replica of Indian Naval Ship Mormugao at MPA Jetty Vasco.
Channel: DD News Goa
Date: 19/12/2023

CM Pramod Sawant says, "... PM Modi's dream to make a developed India in 2047 in the 'Azadi ka Amrit Kaal' of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', Make in India, Make for the World, Vocal for Local... The Navy is forefront in fulfilling this dream..."
    Mormugao is the second ship of P-15B class of Destroyers, and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 December 2022, in the presence of the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, Shri PS Sreedharan Pillai, Hon'ble Governor of Goa and Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa, were Guests of Honour for the commissioning ceremony. The warship derives her name from the eponymous port city of Mormugao and adds yet another dimension to the wide-ranging connections that the Indian Navy shares with the state of Goa. The date of the ship's commissioning - 18 Dec - is of historic significance, as it marks the D Day of Operation Vijay in 1961, which liberated Goa.

    Towards further cementing this association between the ship and the State, a 30 ft model of the ship was unveiled at Goa by Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa on 18 December 2023, which is also the first commissioning anniversary of INS Mormugao. The model is planned to be placed at Vasco city and would enable continuing to connect with the local populace, while also kindling the maritime consciousness among citizens.

    The naming of ships after ports is an enduring Naval tradition. Mormugao port - by its geographical position and the privilege of being one of the most gifted natural harbours of peninsular India - has played a pivotal role in India's maritime history and developments along the Konkan coast. Naming of a lethal Destroyer of the Indian Navy after the port of Mormugao acknowledges these contributions, and also marks a befitting tribute to the nautical connections between the historic city of Goa and the Indian Navy. Apart from the Indian Navy playing a crucial role in the liberation of Goa, the Navy has had a close association with Goa, being the home base for Naval Aviation; Hydrographic training; and Naval War College, among others.

    It is pertinent to highlight that Mormugao had sailed for its maiden sortie on 19th Dec 2021, coinciding with the Diamond Jubilee of Goa's liberation, in which the Indian Navy played a seminal role. The unveiling of the ship model of INS Mormugao at Goa, would serve to deepen involvement, ownership and kinship among the populace and the administration of Goa with the Indian Navy and enhance understanding of India's maritime prowess.