Long Embarkations, We, in 86,87 and in 88, used to embark for long period of time from Vikrant to Viraat..In order to get over family separatios, long and tiring period at sea, we would humor each other from squadron to squadron. Seakings used to come from Cochin and invariably staged through INS Hansa. One such embarkation the kings arrived Hansa when we were also getting ready to leave for Viraat..The ETA used to be coincided so that all were recovered on same charlie time(Time to recover all aircraft). Sea kings, being slower had to leave early as we were being recovered in Mumbai Harbor...... we got airborne in formations of three each trailing at 100yds of each other.. I saw three kings merrily hesding for mother at 2500 unaware that six harriers are about to surprise them... Neatly tucked in, we overtook them from underneath maintaining 100 below them. When we roared past them 100 below at 500kts, I believe the Seaking crew lifted their feet off the floor after seeing Harriers pass underneath like dolphins under a boat. We all had a hearty laugh after recovery and also had a drink to that in the evening.....Late Malhi would remind me of that planned fun many times.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:23:02 +0000