Motorcycle Expedition Flagged Off to mark Golden Jubilee Celebrations of INAS 561

As part of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the Helicopter Training School, a Motorcycle Expedition from INS Garuda, Kochi to INS Rajali, Arakkonam was flagged off by Rear Admiral Antony George, COS, SNC on 13 September 2021. INAS 561 is the first and only ab-initio helicopter training squadron of the Indian Navy and is the almamater of all helicopter pilots. The squadron was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi on 15 September 1971, and was later rebased to its present location at INS Rajali in June 1992. The year 2021 marks the Golden Jubilee of the squadron, and also 60 years of induction of Chetak helicopters into the Indian Navy. The motorbike expedition, comprising 10 naval officers, will trace the origins of the squadron from its modest beginnings at INS Garuda, Kochi to its present location at INS Rajali. The expedition will run along various inter-state/ national highways and halt at prominent points so as to orient the general populace towards operations of the Indian Navy. Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, Flag Officer Naval Aviation will also be part of the expedition.