Port Blair, Oct. 8: The Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) celebrated its 20th Raising Day on 08th Oct 20. ANC was raised on 08th Oct 01 as the only Joint Services Command of our nation with the components of Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The Command paid homage to the martyrs on the occasion in a solemn wreath laying ceremony at Military Station, Birchgunj. On behalf of Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, AVSM, VSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), Rear Admiral Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM, Chief of Staff (COS) laid the wreath at the memorial. A short military ceremony was conducted with restricted attendance in compliance with strict COVID precautions norms.
The CINCAN conveyed his heartiest felicitations to all the personnel and families of ANC on the occasion of the 20th Raising Day and acknowledged their contribution towards the operational readiness of ANC. He mentioned that since its inception in 2001, the Command has grown manifold in operational efficiency, showing indomitable spirit and commitment to the nation and an integral part of the ANI as also a beacon of hope for the Islanders. The Joint Services Command has been instrumental is efficient safeguarding of the A&N Islands, coastline and EEZ, and has put significant efforts to control activities like poaching and human trafficking. He mentioned that the Command stands tall on the Eastern Sea Frontier of our nation as a security bastion defending our country from external threats. He brought out that the Unified Command has emerged as an epitome of jointness and excellence, achieving strategic coherence and high level of operational efficiency with significant enhancement in infrastructure and assets.
The General Officer appreciated the cohesion at all levels with the civil administration and security agencies as well as other stake holders towards synergising efforts where all personnel contributed immensely.
The CINCAN also mentioned about the building up of force levels including men, weapons and equipment over a period of time in furtherance of the Command’s goals. He elucidated several important projects of strategic significance that are underway to improve inter-island connectivity for the general populace of A & N Islands as well as the efforts towards improving quality of life of the families of the personnel of ANC. He appreciated the efforts of the members of the Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA) in raising social awareness through various campaigns.