In a bid to further strengthen and safeguard vital Pakistan Navy’s (PN) assets and installations, the defence of Karachi Port and Port Bin Qasim and to enhance the Ground Based Air Defence set up, a significant milestone has been achieved in the history of PN by commissioning of 2nd Pak Marines Battalion, and induction of Radar Controlled Guns and Low Level Air Defence Radar on Monday.
The induction and commissioning ceremony was held at Pak Marines Headquarters, PNS Qasim. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila was the chief guest on the occasion.
Congratulating the officers and CPOs/Sailors of the 2nd Marines and 21st Air Defence Battalions, the naval chief said these sophisticated radars and guns had proved their worth in the recently conducted exercise Seaspark-12 and their performance had lived up to the expectations.
“Defence of our motherland is a responsibility shared by all of us and a sacred undertaking that comes second to none,” the chief guest said.
Underlining the need to ensure protection of vital assets and areas, he urged upon officers and men of this independent Marines Battalion to stand fast and thwart aggression with zeal and courage. He emphasized all to continue with hard work, dedication and steadfastness so as to bring good name to the service.
Earlier, commander coastal command briefed that 2nd Marines Battalion would be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding vital PN installations, infrastructure, and seaward security of Karachi Port and Port Bin Qasim. He added that Pak Marines, since their inception in 1990, had come a long way and apart from safeguarding external threats had proven their mettle through active participation and internal security, floods and cyclone relief operations.
