INS Virbahu
| INS Virbahu | |
|---|---|
| Virbahu | |
| Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | |
 | |
| Type | Naval station |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Indian Navy |
| Site history | |
| Built | May 19, 1971 |
| In use | 1971-present |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Eastern Naval Command |
INS Virbahu is an Indian Navy submarine base of the Eastern Naval Command located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.[1][2][3]
History
INS Virbahu was commissioned as the shore support base for submarines on 19 May 1971. With the commissioning of INS Virbahu the 8th Submarine Squadron of Vela (Foxtrot) class submarines was based here. The Commanding Officer INS Virbahu was also designated as the Captain submarines 8th Submarine Squadron. Thereafter, with the induction of the Sindhughosh class submarines, the 11th Submarine Squadron was created. As two Submarine Squadrons were based at Visakhapatnam, comprising eight submarines, the scope of responsibility of the Commanding Officer, INS Virbahu, increased many fold. The submarines were thus placed under the operational control of Captain Submarines, 8th and 11th Submarine Squadron. With the increase of the number and type of submarines the operational authority of Submarine Squadrons was elevated from Captain Submarines to Commodore Submarines in Apr 1990. Since the appointment of the Commodore Submarines had a command responsibility towards the submarines the appointment was thus re-christened as Commodore Commanding Submarines (East Coast) in Jun 1997. Initially all training, maintenance, operational and logistic matters pertaining to submarines were dealt by Virbahu. As the Arm expanded, the training role was taken over by INS Satavahana and the Class Authority functions by Submarine Headquarters. But the attachment to the old Alma Mater persists and Virbahu continues to be regarded as the 'Home of the Dolphins' even today.[4]
Objective
The role of INS Virbahu is to provide administrative and logistic support to the 8th and 11th Submarine Squadrons. It also provides accommodation, messing, welfare and recreational facilities to the crews of submarines as applicable.
References
- ↑ "Indian Naval Bases". Global Security. Retrieved 2012-01-09.
- ↑ "INS Virbahu - Home of the Dolphins". The Indian Submariner. Retrieved 2012-01-09.
- ↑ "INS Virbahu". Indian Navy. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
- ↑ Hiranandani, G. M. (2008). Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990. Lancer Publishers.
Coordinates: 17°41′58.9″N 83°16′14.3″E / 17.699694°N 83.270639°E