Date:12/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/12/stories/2006021204260800.htm

Andhra Pradesh

President arrives for fleet review

Special Correspondent

First-ever Naval fleet review outside Mumbai in public view

VISAKHAPATNAM: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam arrived here on Saturday afternoon for a three-day visit during which he would review the Naval Fleet, witness the Operational Prowess Demonstration (OPD) of the Navy and also attend a few other programmes.

This is for the first time that Dr. Kalam is visiting the city as President. Another significant aspect is that the President's Fleet Review is being held for the first time outside Mumbai and in public view.The President was presented a 150-man guard of honour and 21-gun salute at the Naval Air Station, INS Dega. He was received by Navy Chief Arun Prakash and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Sureesh Mehta.

He was later greeted by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and other officials.