Port Blair, May 21: Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command visited military units and formations, located in the Nicobar Group of Islands from 17 May 23 to 19 May 23. The CINCAN received extensive briefings at INS Baaz, CG District HQs 10 and 154 Territorial Army (TA) Infantry Battalion (Bn) HQs at Campbell Bay as also at Air Force Station Car Nicobar.

At INS Baaz, the southernmost military airfield in India and the outpost at Indira Point, the southernmost point of India, Air Mshl Saju Balakrishnan encouraged the personnel to maintain a high level of vigilance while emphasizing the significance of Joint Operations. At 154 TA Infantry Battalion HQs, the CINCAN was briefed on various tasks undertaken in support of internal security, disaster management, and aid to civil authorities. The Island Terriers (154 TA Bn) community participation efforts in engaging with the local populace was highly appreciated by the Commander-in-Chief. At INS Kardip, Kamorta he reviewed the OTR arrangements to support ships and submarines.  On arrival at Car Nicobar on the 18th of May, CINCAN received a Guard of Honour.  Later, the Air Marshal paid tribute to the personnel and families of the Air Force Station who lost their lives on 26 Dec 2004 during the Tsunami by laying a wreath at the Tsunami Memorial. 

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan interacted with troops from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, DSC, GREF, and Defence civilians stationed at Campbell Bay, Kamorta and Car Nicobar. CINCAN expressed his appreciation for their diligence and re-iterated the need for continued Jointness and Integration while remaining alert and operationally ready at all times.