Pakistan Navy Annual Fleet Efficiency Competition Parade (ECP) for the year 2014 was held at PN Dockyard on Wednesday. Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of the Naval Staff, graced the occasion as chief guest.
The efficiency competition parade is conducted annually by the Pakistan navy fleet command to mark the culmination of its operational year in which efficiency shields are awarded to selected fleet units based on their overall performance throughout the year. While addressing the officers and men, Admiral Zakaullah commended Pakistan Navy fleet on successful accomplishment of operational objectives in a befitting manner.
He emphasized upon the importance of an efficient and effective Naval Force for protection of Pakistan’s maritime interests. The Admiral said that Pakistan Navy was effectively contributing towards government’s policy of promoting peace and stability in the region and participation of Pakistan Navy fleet units in bilateral and multinational naval exercises with foreign navies were a source of enhancing Pakistan Navy’s professional competence and bilateral relations.
The Naval chief also outlined Pakistan Navy’s modernization and acquisition plans.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi highlighted the operational achievements of Pakistan Navy Fleet.
He stated that during the year 2014, besides operational activities, Pakistan Navy fleet units had actively participated in several major maritime exercises including Dimdex at Qatar, Mavi Balina at Turkey, Arabian Shark and International Mine Counter Measures Exercise at Bahrain, Kakadu at Australia and Thammar Al Tayyab at Oman. First ever bilateral exercises Nasl Al Bahar with UAE Navy and Arabian Monsoon with Russian Navy were also conducted in Pakistani waters.
Fleet units also actively contributed towards peace and security in Arabian Sea through continued participation in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan and Counter Piracy Deployments.
Later, the chief of the Naval Staff gave away the prizes to units adjudged best in their respective squadrons. The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior serving and retired naval officers and personnel of Pakistan Navy.
