Port Blair, May 31: Lt Gen Manoj Pande, AVSM, VSM the 15th Commander-in-Chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), is set to relinquish Command of the Joint Services Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 31 May 2021, consequent to his appointment as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Army Command with effect from 01 Jun 2021.
The CINCAN called on Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK JOSHI, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM, NM (Retd), to bid farewell and thanked him and the UT Administration for the support and cooperation, during his tenure at the ANC.
In his address to the officers of ANC, CINCAN highlighted the present and emerging security challenges and complimented all Ranks for maintaining a very high level of operational readiness despite the COVID Pandemic. He also emphasised on the importance of synergy between the three Services and Coast Guard to achieve desired operational outcomes.
The CINCAN later inspected the Joint Forces Guard of Honour at INS Utkrosh.
Under the General Officer’s command during this last one year, the ANC has significantly enhanced to operational preparedness and successfully conducted a number of major Tri-Services operational exercises, BrahMos missile firing and joint exercises with friendly foreign Navies. The Command also conducted a unique joint operational exercise during the visit of Hon’ble President of India in early March 2021. Emphasis was also given to speed up ongoing infrastructure works at Port Blair and other outlaying stations such as Shibpur, Car Nicobar, Kamorta and Campbell Bay. The General Officer has remained at the forefront of efforts to develop good relationship with civil administration and the people of the Islands.
During the farewell activities, personnel strictly adhered to COVID related precautions and guidelines.