The Navy’s dedicated base for its Special Operation Forces – MARCOS (Marine Commandos) – INS Karna was commissioned here by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba. The commissioning ceremony was held at Naval Establishment INS Kalinga near Bheemunipatnam port in Vizag.

Keeping with the Navy traditions the commissioning plaque of the shore establishment was unveiled by Reena Lanba, wife of Admiral Lanba, in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Lanba, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral HCS Bisht and Commanding Officer Designate INS Karna Captain Varun Singh.

• MARCOS is the only frontline operations force with capability in all the three dimensions of warfare — air, land and sea and also contributed in anti-piracy operations.

• With the expanding asymmetric threats, MARCOS have a key role in protecting the maritime interests as the roles and responsibilities of the Navy have expanded in the Indian Ocean Region.

• The MARCOS East unit has progressed in terms of manpower, infrastructure, equipment holding and other resources. The complement of the unit has risen from an initial strength of two officers and 40 sailors to 25 officers and 300 sailors.

• It has become imperative that the MARCOS be ‘Mission Ready and a Winner’ always as they would be the first into the battle.

About Sunil lanba

Mr. Lanba was born on 17 July 1957 ,had his school education from the Mayo College in Ajmer, Rajasthan.he is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy (NDA), Defense Services Staff College, Royal College of Defense Studies and also has a PG in Defense and Management studies.

• Lanba was commissioned into the Indian Navy as an officer on 1 January 1978 into the Executive Branch of Indian Navy as a Navigation and Direction specialist.
• He served as a navigation officer on board INS Sindhudurg (K72) and INS Dunagiri (F36) before serving as the Commanding Officer (CO) of various ships.