From 21-gun salute to the Presidential yacht, how the naval might is put on show at the International Fleet Review

A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition followed by navies all over the world. The idea of a Review was conceived as a show of naval might or an inspection of readiness for battle at sea. Later, reviews were used as a celebratory demonstration for victories in battle, for a coronation or on the occasion of the visit of royal guests.

Britain, from whom the Indian Navy has inherited several customs, dates her first Review to 1415 when Henry V inspected his Fleet before embarking for war with France.

In India, the President, as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, reviews the Fleet once during his tenure. Ten Reviews have taken place in India since Independence in 1947. The first was held in 1953 and the last prior to International Fleet Review 2016, in 2011.

After a number of ceremonies ashore, the President’s Yacht steam past an impressive array of ships of both the Indian and merchant navies and the Coast Guard, which together symbolize the country’s maritime strength. The Indian Fleet Reviews varies from that of some navies of the world, where ships steam past the reviewing yacht or ship.

In a tradition inherited from the Royal Navy, the President inspects the navy to ascertain its strength and reaffirm his faith in its readiness to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests and its security.

In this most formal of naval ceremonies, vessels from all commands are anchored in lines at the precise spot allotted to them. After a 21-gun salute, the President embarks on the Presidential yacht, distinguishable by the Ashoka emblem on her side and reviews all the ships by cruising past them. Each ship is manned by her ship’s company, dressed in white ceremonial uniforms.

In a moment that stands still in time, white caps are doffed in unison in a grand salutation. The resounding sound of ‘Three Jais’ echoes over the waves, carrying the promise of the allegiance of each and every sailor and officer to the State and the President, their Supreme Commander. It is this bond that will carry them through the adversity of combat.