Berhampur: Around 2,707 trainees of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard hosted an impressive passing out parade ceremony at INS Chilka on Thursday after successfully completing their 21-week training.

Vice-Admiral A.R. Karve, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Kochi, reviewed the parade.

The reviewing officer awarded medals and trophies to meritorious trainees at the parade. Speaking on the occasion, Karve exhorted the trainees on the importance of honing the skills they gained at INS Chilka and the need to set high standards of professionalism and conduct in their future appointment. He also asserted that "philosophy of professionalism must be based on the Indian Navy's core values such as duty, honour and courage" to all sailors.

The ceremony was also attended by the parents of trainees from all over India and other dignitaries of the navy and the coast guard.

The training regimen being followed at INS Chilka is well structured and scientifically prepared to meet specific objectives of both the navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

Trainees at INS Chilka are exposed to various service subjects as well as academic study. Equal emphasis is laid on toughening the raw recruits, both physically and mentally, through drills, route march sailing expeditions, outdoor camps, weapons training , swimming and sports. These trainees will now proceed for cadre-specific professional training at sea and at specialist training schools of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

Karve, on Wednesday, along with other dignitaries, witnessed a valedictory function showcasing the cultural and extracurricular talents of the trainees. A bilingual magazine, Ankur, encapsulating a host of training activities at INS Chilka was also released on the occasion by the chief guest in the presence of Commodore Manish Misra, the commanding officer of INS Chilka.