During the training at Chilka we used to be trained in the Chilka lake. My introduction to sea was yet not taken place and I was looking forward for it. After six months of grueling training we were turned into the men and granted leave. I also jumped at this opportunity and got 28 days leave. The journey from Chilka to Delhi was performed in the train. We all were happy as the toughest part of our lives was coming to an end but we also were sad to leave as there so many new friends were made. At Chilka the entire India was present youngsters from all over India joined the Indian Navy and it was really a big learning opportunity for me. I too made so many new friends. But then the saying goes that navy बहुत छोटी है और कहीं न कहीं मिलना हो ही जाएगा. I was to undergo the sea training onboard INS Tir which was based at Kochi. I was very happy to be allotted this ship as it involved travelling to Kochi all the way from Delhi, the longest train journey for me so far.
The journey was started in the Kerala Express without reservation. We were the group of 10-12 people the journey was good despite we had no reservation but those were the carefree days of youth so these little difficulties were looked simple. Finally after 40 hrs in train we arried Ernakulam Jn railway station and headed towards our Ship which was to be found inside Naval base on naval port. We reached to have a first glimpse of our ship but it was not to be seen on jetty...We were told that ship is on sailing and woukd returning only after 2 to 3 days and till that time we had to be wait shippers and repirt to INS Venduruthy the depot base for all the ships of Southern Command....As wide eyed newly recruited sailors We reported to naval base. During those wait shippers Used to be Accommodated in a huge hanger named T2 hanger...It had few cots which were already occupied our seniors and looking at the prospects of no cot in sight 03 of us batchmates decided to get ourselves accommodated on ground itself....Since we had to stay there for short duration we used to be employed in cleanship of mess, dining area and ofcourse in T 2 hanger also...Our seniors saw 03 useful hands at their disposal so they also employed us in cleaning the hanger which was occupied by all of us. Finally after waiting for 3 days it was told to us that your ship has arrived back from sailing and report to the ship immediately....This news filled all of us with great happiness as its for tge first time we are going to see a real ship and would stay inside for around 25 remaining days of our training...
The journey was started in the Kerala Express without reservation. We were the group of 10-12 people the journey was good despite we had no reservation but those were the carefree days of youth so these little difficulties were looked simple. Finally after 40 hrs in train we arried Ernakulam Jn railway station and headed towards our Ship which was to be found inside Naval base on naval port. We reached to have a first glimpse of our ship but it was not to be seen on jetty...We were told that ship is on sailing and woukd returning only after 2 to 3 days and till that time we had to be wait shippers and repirt to INS Venduruthy the depot base for all the ships of Southern Command....As wide eyed newly recruited sailors We reported to naval base. During those wait shippers Used to be Accommodated in a huge hanger named T2 hanger...It had few cots which were already occupied our seniors and looking at the prospects of no cot in sight 03 of us batchmates decided to get ourselves accommodated on ground itself....Since we had to stay there for short duration we used to be employed in cleanship of mess, dining area and ofcourse in T 2 hanger also...Our seniors saw 03 useful hands at their disposal so they also employed us in cleaning the hanger which was occupied by all of us. Finally after waiting for 3 days it was told to us that your ship has arrived back from sailing and report to the ship immediately....This news filled all of us with great happiness as its for tge first time we are going to see a real ship and would stay inside for around 25 remaining days of our training...
