Paradip, Feb. 13: Excitement was writ large on the face of the National Cadet Corps who had gathered here from across the state yesterday to get the rare privilege of embarking on the world's oldest operational aircraft carrier in its farewell voyage.

INS Viraat, which served the Indian Army in combating enemy forces for the past several decades, was anchored off Paradip port here yesterday. The Navy organised the tour of the cadets in a bid to familiarise the young generation with warfare methodology.

The warship is a shinning icon of the country's military prowess. Commissioned on May 12,1987, it has been serving the Army for the past 28 years, making it the oldest operational aircraft carrier in the world.

"The gigantic 28,000-tonne ship has set sail on its final journey from Paradip. From here, it will move towards Kakinada, Chennai and Mumbai in the last leg of its voyage, after which it will be decommissioned," said a Navy personnel.

"We were all thrilled to board INS Viraat. We feel as if we became part of history as the INS Viraat will shortly be decommissioned," said Arabind Rout, an NCC cadet who got the opportunity to embark on the aircraft carrier.

"The Navy personnel explained to us the history of INS Viraat and its achievements in warfare. It inculcated in us a patriotic fervour. We were told that the ship had first served the British Navy for more than 30 years before it was brought to India. It was inducted into the Indian Navy in 1987 after undergoing extensive refits," said another NCC cadet.

"The cadets were given a guided tour of the ship and they got a feel of the naval life on board. We were pleased to find that the NCC cadets evinced interest to know more about our naval operations," said naval officer in charge of the state Rakesh Kumar Dahiya.