New Delhi, Nov.16 Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma will be visiting the Western Naval Command from November 17 to November 19.

The Western Naval Command is one of the two Operational Commands of the Navy and is headquartered at Mumbai.

It exercises control over ships, submarines, aircraft and shore establishments located on the west coast.

During his visit, Admiral Verma would review the operational readiness of the command, including the preparedness of coastal security. He will also assess its combat readiness.

During the sortie CNS would witness fleet exercises, gun and missile firings by ships and aircraft as also observe aircraft operations from Viraat, which has rejoined the fleet after an extensive maintenance period.

Ships and aircraft of the Western Naval Command have been regularly deployed for coastal security tasking in close coordination with other central and state agencies during the past year.

A joint operations centre has been set up at Mumbai to monitor and coordinate coastal security.

Security exercises along with public awareness campaigns have tremendously improved understanding amongst central and state agencies as well as the residents of coastal areas particularly the fishing community.

The integration of the newly raised Marine Police force with the other security agencies has been encouraging.

Admiral Verma will also be reviewing coastal security arrangements during his visit. (ANI)