Western Fleet (India) - Revision history

Bot at 06:17, 20 November 2022

2022-11-20T06:17:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 20 November 2022
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=January ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=January 2020}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=January ~~2022~~}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=January 2020}}
	{{Infobox military unit		{{Infobox military unit
	\|unit_name= Western Fleet		\|unit_name= Western Fleet
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	The first [[Aircraft carrier]] of the Indian Navy, {{INS\|Vikrant\|1961\|6}} was commissioned in 1961 and became the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 \|year=1992 \|publisher=Lancer International \|isbn=9788170621485 \|page=236}}</ref>		The first [[Aircraft carrier]] of the Indian Navy, {{INS\|Vikrant\|1961\|6}} was commissioned in 1961 and became the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 \|year=1992 \|publisher=Lancer International \|isbn=9788170621485 \|page=236}}</ref>

	On 1 March 1968, the [[Eastern Naval Command]] was established and the Indian Fleet was renamed as the Western Fleet.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ENC {{!}} Indian Navy \|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/golden-jubilee-celebrations-enc \|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite book \|last1=Hiranandani \|first1=G M \|title=Transition to triumph : history of the Indian Navy, 1965-1975 \|year=2000 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-1897829721}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Reorganisation of Naval Commands\|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-02_089.pdf\|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive\|date=2 March 1968\|access-date=2 February ~~2022~~}}</ref>		On 1 March 1968, the [[Eastern Naval Command]] was established and the Indian Fleet was renamed as the Western Fleet.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ENC {{!}} Indian Navy \|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/golden-jubilee-celebrations-enc \|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite book \|last1=Hiranandani \|first1=G M \|title=Transition to triumph : history of the Indian Navy, 1965-1975 \|year=2000 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-1897829721}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Reorganisation of Naval Commands\|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-02_089.pdf\|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive\|date=2 March 1968\|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>

	==Indo-Pakistani War of 1971==		==Indo-Pakistani War of 1971==
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	===Operation Trident & Operation Python===		===Operation Trident & Operation Python===
	{{Main articles\|Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Python}}		{{Main articles\|Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Python}}
	On 4 December, the fleet successfully executed [[Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Trident]], a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters at [[Karachi]] that sank a minesweeper, a destroyer and an ammunition supply ship. The attack also irreparably damaged another destroyer and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi">{{cite web\|author1=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani (retd.)\|author-link1=Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani\|title=1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi\|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|website=Indian Defence Review\|access-date=25 June 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217084537/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|archive-date=17 February 2017\|date=11 July 2015\|url-status=dead\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To commemorate this, 4 December is celebrated as the [[Navy Day (India)\|Navy Day]].<ref name="In 1971 Navy Day">{{cite web\|title=In 1971, The Indian Navy Attempted One of the World's Most Daring War Strategies on Karachi\|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|website=Scoop Whoop\|access-date=25 June 2017\|language=En\|date=9 July 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209141754/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|archive-date=9 December ~~2022~~}}</ref> This was followed by [[Operation Python]] on 8 December 1971, further deprecating the Pakistan Navy's capabilities.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi"/>		On 4 December, the fleet successfully executed [[Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Trident]], a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters at [[Karachi]] that sank a minesweeper, a destroyer and an ammunition supply ship. The attack also irreparably damaged another destroyer and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi">{{cite web\|author1=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani (retd.)\|author-link1=Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani\|title=1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi\|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|website=Indian Defence Review\|access-date=25 June 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217084537/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|archive-date=17 February 2017\|date=11 July 2015\|url-status=dead\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To commemorate this, 4 December is celebrated as the [[Navy Day (India)\|Navy Day]].<ref name="In 1971 Navy Day">{{cite web\|title=In 1971, The Indian Navy Attempted One of the World's Most Daring War Strategies on Karachi\|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|website=Scoop Whoop\|access-date=25 June 2017\|language=En\|date=9 July 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209141754/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|archive-date=9 December 2016}}</ref> This was followed by [[Operation Python]] on 8 December 1971, further deprecating the Pakistan Navy's capabilities.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi"/>

	In the war, The Indian frigate {{INS\|Khukri\|F149\|6}}, commanded by [[Captain (Indian Navy)\|Captain]] [[Mahendra Nath Mulla]], [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC]] was sunk by {{ship\|PNS\|Hangor\|S131\|6}}, while {{INS\|Kirpan\|1959\|6}} was damaged on the west coast.<ref name="The sinking of INS Kukhri">{{cite web\|author1=Russell Phillips\|title=The sinking of INS Kukhri\|url=https://www.russellphillipsbooks.co.uk/the-sinking-of-ins-khukri/\|website=Russell Phillips Books\|access-date=25 June 2017\|date=3 June 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>		In the war, The Indian frigate {{INS\|Khukri\|F149\|6}}, commanded by [[Captain (Indian Navy)\|Captain]] [[Mahendra Nath Mulla]], [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC]] was sunk by {{ship\|PNS\|Hangor\|S131\|6}}, while {{INS\|Kirpan\|1959\|6}} was damaged on the west coast.<ref name="The sinking of INS Kukhri">{{cite web\|author1=Russell Phillips\|title=The sinking of INS Kukhri\|url=https://www.russellphillipsbooks.co.uk/the-sinking-of-ins-khukri/\|website=Russell Phillips Books\|access-date=25 June 2017\|date=3 June 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

	==Kargil War==		==Kargil War==
	The [[Indian Navy]] launched Operation Talwar on 25 May 1999. The entire Western Fleet had sailed from [[Mumbai]] to the North Arabian Sea to increase surveillance and adopt a deterrent posture. Elements of the Eastern Fleet joined the Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea later. The joint Western and Eastern Fleets blockaded the [[:Category:Ports and harbours of Pakistan\|Pakistani ports]] (primarily the [[Port of Karachi\|Karachi port]]).<ref>{{cite web\| url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/CP65.Grare.FINAL.pdf\|title=The Resurgence of Baluch nationalism\|first=Frédéric \|last=Grare\|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]\| access-date=20 May ~~2022~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Sea Power\|url=http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Force India\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818112456/http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|archive-date=18 August 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Azam Khan\|first=Cdr (Retd) Muhammad\|title=Exercise Seaspark—2001\|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2001/apr/seaspark.htm\|publisher=Defence Journal\|access-date=17 August ~~2022~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Indian Navy celebrates its silent Kargil victory\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/12113/report-indian-navy-celebrates-its-silent-kargil-victory\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=DNA India\|date=30 November ~~2022~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=General Ashok K Mehta\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Rediff\|date=5 August ~~2022~~}}</ref> They began aggressive patrols and threatened to cut Pakistan's sea trade. This exploited Pakistan's dependence on sea-based oil and trade flows.<ref name=navy>{{cite news\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=19 October 2014\|date=5 August 1999\|author=General Ashok K Mehta}}</ref> Later, then-[[Prime Minister of Pakistan]], Nawaz Sharif disclosed that Pakistan was left with just six days of fuel to sustain itself if a full-scale war had broken out.<ref name = "Globalsecurity">{{cite web\| url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kargil-99.htm\|title=1999 Kargil Conflict\|work=GlobalSecurity.org\| access-date=20 May ~~2022~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|first=Bruce \|last=Riedel\|title=Avoiding Armageddon \|publisher= HarperCollins \|isbn=9350299941 \|url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130428/jsp/7days/story_16836328.jsp}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Lambeth\|first=Benjamin\|title=Airpower at 18,000': The Indian Air Force in the Kargil War\|year=2012\|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\|page=54\|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/files/kargil.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Hiranandani\|first=G. M.\|title=Transition to Guardianship: The Indian Navy 1991–2000\|year=2009\|publisher=Lancer Publishers\|location=New Delhi\|isbn=978-1935501268\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w2snz5Cfb0gC&q=a%20leander%20class%20frigate%20barrier&pg=PA1924}}</ref>		The [[Indian Navy]] launched Operation Talwar on 25 May 1999. The entire Western Fleet had sailed from [[Mumbai]] to the North Arabian Sea to increase surveillance and adopt a deterrent posture. Elements of the Eastern Fleet joined the Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea later. The joint Western and Eastern Fleets blockaded the [[:Category:Ports and harbours of Pakistan\|Pakistani ports]] (primarily the [[Port of Karachi\|Karachi port]]).<ref>{{cite web\| url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/CP65.Grare.FINAL.pdf\|title=The Resurgence of Baluch nationalism\|first=Frédéric \|last=Grare\|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]\| access-date=20 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Sea Power\|url=http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Force India\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818112456/http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|archive-date=18 August 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Azam Khan\|first=Cdr (Retd) Muhammad\|title=Exercise Seaspark—2001\|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2001/apr/seaspark.htm\|publisher=Defence Journal\|access-date=17 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Indian Navy celebrates its silent Kargil victory\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/12113/report-indian-navy-celebrates-its-silent-kargil-victory\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=DNA India\|date=30 November 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=General Ashok K Mehta\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Rediff\|date=5 August 2005}}</ref> They began aggressive patrols and threatened to cut Pakistan's sea trade. This exploited Pakistan's dependence on sea-based oil and trade flows.<ref name=navy>{{cite news\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=19 October 2014\|date=5 August 1999\|author=General Ashok K Mehta}}</ref> Later, then-[[Prime Minister of Pakistan]], Nawaz Sharif disclosed that Pakistan was left with just six days of fuel to sustain itself if a full-scale war had broken out.<ref name = "Globalsecurity">{{cite web\| url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kargil-99.htm\|title=1999 Kargil Conflict\|work=GlobalSecurity.org\| access-date=20 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|first=Bruce \|last=Riedel\|title=Avoiding Armageddon \|publisher= HarperCollins \|isbn=9350299941 \|url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130428/jsp/7days/story_16836328.jsp}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Lambeth\|first=Benjamin\|title=Airpower at 18,000': The Indian Air Force in the Kargil War\|year=2012\|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\|page=54\|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/files/kargil.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Hiranandani\|first=G. M.\|title=Transition to Guardianship: The Indian Navy 1991–2000\|year=2009\|publisher=Lancer Publishers\|location=New Delhi\|isbn=978-1935501268\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w2snz5Cfb0gC&q=a%20leander%20class%20frigate%20barrier&pg=PA1924}}</ref>

	==Fleet Commander==		==Fleet Commander==

Bot at 06:17, 20 November 2022

2022-11-20T06:17:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 20 November 2022
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=January ~~2020~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=January 2022}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=January ~~2020~~}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=January 2022}}
	{{Infobox military unit		{{Infobox military unit
	\|unit_name= Western Fleet		\|unit_name= Western Fleet
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	\|country= {{flag\|India}}		\|country= {{flag\|India}}
	\|branch= {{navy\|India}}		\|branch= {{navy\|India}}
	\|type= Fleet		\|type= [[Naval fleet\|Fleet]]
	\|size=		\|size=
	\|command_structure= [[Western Naval Command]]		\|command_structure= [[Western Naval Command]]
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	\|decorations=		\|decorations=
	\|battle_honors=		\|battle_honors=
	\|commander1= [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[~~Ajay Kochhar]], [[Nao Sena Medal\|NM~~]]		\|commander1= [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[Vineet McCarty]]
	\|commander1_label= [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet\|FOCWF]]		\|commander1_label= [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet\|FOCWF]]
	\|notable_commanders= [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[Elenjikal Chandy Kuruvila\|E C Kuruvila]], {{small\|[[PVSM]], [[AVSM]]}}		\|notable_commanders= [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[Elenjikal Chandy Kuruvila\|E C Kuruvila]], {{small\|[[PVSM]], [[AVSM]]}}
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	The '''Western Fleet''' is a [[Naval fleet]] of the [[Indian Navy]]. It is known as the 'Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy.<ref name="indiannavy.nic.in">{{cite web \|title=Western Fleet Celebrates Golden Jubilee {{!}} Indian Navy \|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/western-fleet-celebrates-golden-jubilee \|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> It is headquartered at [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]] on the west coast of India. It is a part of the [[Western Naval Command]] and is responsible for the naval forces in the [[Arabian Sea]] and parts of the [[Indian Ocean]].		The '''Western Fleet''' is a [[Naval fleet]] of the [[Indian Navy]]. It is known as the 'Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy.<ref name="indiannavy.nic.in">{{cite web \|title=Western Fleet Celebrates Golden Jubilee {{!}} Indian Navy \|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/western-fleet-celebrates-golden-jubilee \|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> It is headquartered at [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]] on the west coast of India. It is a part of the [[Western Naval Command]] and is responsible for the naval forces in the [[Arabian Sea]] and parts of the [[Indian Ocean]].

	The Western Fleet was formally constituted on 1 March 1968.<ref name="indiannavy.nic.in"/> The Fleet is commanded by a [[Two-star rank\|Two Star]] Flag Officer of the rank of [[Rear Admiral]] with the title [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]] (FOCWF). Rear Admiral [[~~Ajay Kochhar~~]]~~, NM~~ is the current FOCWF, who took over on ~~24 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web \|title=REAR ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE WESTERN FLEET (FOCWF) \|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1700554 \|website=pib.gov~~.~~in}}</ref>~~ The current flagship of the Western Fleet is the [[aircraft carrier]] {{ship\|INS\|Vikramaditya\|R33}}.		The Western Fleet was formally constituted on 1 March 1968.<ref name="indiannavy.nic.in"/> The Fleet is commanded by a [[Two-star rank\|Two Star]] Flag Officer of the rank of [[Rear Admiral]] with the title [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]] (FOCWF). Rear Admiral [[Vineet McCarty]] is the current FOCWF, who took over on 15 November 2022. The current flagship of the Western Fleet is the [[aircraft carrier]] {{ship\|INS\|Vikramaditya\|R33}}.
	[[File:Indian_Navy_flotilla_of_Western_Fleet_escort_INS_Vikramaditya_(R33)_and_INS_Viraat_(R22)_in_the_Arabian_Sea.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|The Western Fleet in 2014 with the Aircraft Carriers {{ship\|INS\|Vikramaditya\|R33}} ([[flagship]]) and {{ship\|INS\|Viraat\|R22}} in the Arabian Sea]]		[[File:Indian_Navy_flotilla_of_Western_Fleet_escort_INS_Vikramaditya_(R33)_and_INS_Viraat_(R22)_in_the_Arabian_Sea.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|The Western Fleet in 2014 with the Aircraft Carriers {{ship\|INS\|Vikramaditya\|R33}} ([[flagship]]) and {{ship\|INS\|Viraat\|R22}} in the Arabian Sea]]

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	In 1956, [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[Ram Dass Katari]] became the first Indian flag officer, and was appointed the first Indian Commander of the Fleet on 2 October, when he took over from [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[Sir]] [[St John Tyrwhitt]].{{Sfn\|Singh\|1992\|pp=250}}<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Katari \|first1=Ram Dass \|title=A sailor remembers \|year=1982 \|publisher=Vikas \|isbn=9780706920642}}</ref> In 1957, [[INS Mysore (C60)\|INS Mysore]] was commissioned and the flag of Rear Adm Katari was transferred from INS Delhi to INS Mysore, thus becoming the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 \|year=1992 \|publisher=Lancer International \|isbn=9788170621485 \|page=80}}</ref>		In 1956, [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[Ram Dass Katari]] became the first Indian flag officer, and was appointed the first Indian Commander of the Fleet on 2 October, when he took over from [[Rear admiral (India)\|Rear Admiral]] [[Sir]] [[St John Tyrwhitt]].{{Sfn\|Singh\|1992\|pp=250}}<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Katari \|first1=Ram Dass \|title=A sailor remembers \|year=1982 \|publisher=Vikas \|isbn=9780706920642}}</ref> In 1957, [[INS Mysore (C60)\|INS Mysore]] was commissioned and the flag of Rear Adm Katari was transferred from INS Delhi to INS Mysore, thus becoming the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 \|year=1992 \|publisher=Lancer International \|isbn=9788170621485 \|page=80}}</ref>

	The first [[Aircraft carrier]] of the Indian Navy, [[INS Vikrant ~~(R11)~~\|~~INS Vikrant]]~~ was commissioned in 1961 and became the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 \|year=1992 \|publisher=Lancer International \|isbn=9788170621485 \|page=236}}</ref>		The first [[Aircraft carrier]] of the Indian Navy, {{INS\|Vikrant\|1961\|6}} was commissioned in 1961 and became the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 \|year=1992 \|publisher=Lancer International \|isbn=9788170621485 \|page=236}}</ref>

	On 1 March 1968, the [[Eastern Naval Command]] was established and the Indian Fleet was renamed as the Western Fleet.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ENC {{!}} Indian Navy \|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/golden-jubilee-celebrations-enc \|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite book \|last1=Hiranandani \|first1=G M \|title=Transition to triumph : history of the Indian Navy, 1965-1975 \|year=2000 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-1897829721}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Reorganisation of Naval Commands\|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-02_089.pdf\|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive\|date=2 March 1968\|access-date=2 February ~~2020~~}}</ref>		On 1 March 1968, the [[Eastern Naval Command]] was established and the Indian Fleet was renamed as the Western Fleet.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ENC {{!}} Indian Navy \|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/golden-jubilee-celebrations-enc \|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite book \|last1=Hiranandani \|first1=G M \|title=Transition to triumph : history of the Indian Navy, 1965-1975 \|year=2000 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=978-1897829721}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Reorganisation of Naval Commands\|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-02_089.pdf\|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive\|date=2 March 1968\|access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref>

	==Indo-Pakistani War of 1971==		==Indo-Pakistani War of 1971==
	At the outbreak of war, the Western Fleet was commanded by Rear Admiral E C Kuruvilla, [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]].<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Roy \|first1=Mihir \|title=War in the Indian Ocean \|year=1995 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=9781897829110 \|page=285}}</ref> In mid 1971, The [[Aircraft carrier]] [[INS Vikrant ~~(R11)~~\|~~INS Vikrant]]~~, along with the frigates [[INS Brahmaputra (1957)\|INS Brahmaputra]] and [[INS Beas (1958)\|INS Beas]] were moved from the Western Fleet to the [[Eastern Naval Command]].<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Krishnan \|first1=Nilakanta \|title=A Sailor's story \|year=2011 \|publisher=Punya Pub \|isbn=978-8189534141}}</ref> Due to this, INS Mysore, once again, became the flagship of the Western Fleet.		At the outbreak of war, the Western Fleet was commanded by Rear Admiral E C Kuruvilla, [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]].<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Roy \|first1=Mihir \|title=War in the Indian Ocean \|year=1995 \|publisher=Lancer Publishers \|isbn=9781897829110 \|page=285}}</ref> In mid 1971, The [[Aircraft carrier]] {{INS\|Vikrant\|1961\|6}}, along with the frigates [[INS Brahmaputra (1957)\|INS Brahmaputra]] and [[INS Beas (1958)\|INS Beas]] were moved from the Western Fleet to the [[Eastern Naval Command]].<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Krishnan \|first1=Nilakanta \|title=A Sailor's story \|year=2011 \|publisher=Punya Pub \|isbn=978-8189534141}}</ref> Due to this, INS Mysore, once again, became the flagship of the Western Fleet.

	According to [[Admiral (India)\|Admiral]] [[Sourendra Nath Kohli]], the then Commander-in-Chief [[Western Naval Command]],		According to [[Admiral (India)\|Admiral]] [[Sourendra Nath Kohli]], the then Commander-in-Chief [[Western Naval Command]],
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	===Operation Trident & Operation Python===		===Operation Trident & Operation Python===
	{{Main articles\|Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Python}}		{{Main articles\|Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Python}}
	On 4 December, the fleet successfully executed [[Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Trident]], a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters at [[Karachi]] that sank a minesweeper, a destroyer and an ammunition supply ship. The attack also irreparably damaged another destroyer and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi">{{cite web\|author1=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani (retd.)\|author-link1=Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani\|title=1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi\|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|website=Indian Defence Review\|access-date=25 June 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217084537/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|archive-date=17 February 2017\|date=11 July 2015\|url-status=dead\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To commemorate this, 4 December is celebrated as the [[Navy Day (India)\|Navy Day]].<ref name="In 1971 Navy Day">{{cite web\|title=In 1971, The Indian Navy Attempted One of the World's Most Daring War Strategies on Karachi\|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|website=Scoop Whoop\|access-date=25 June 2017\|language=En\|date=9 July 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209141754/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|archive-date=9 December ~~2016~~}}</ref> This was followed by [[Operation Python]] on 8 December 1971, further deprecating the Pakistan Navy's capabilities.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi"/>		On 4 December, the fleet successfully executed [[Operation Trident (1971)\|Operation Trident]], a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters at [[Karachi]] that sank a minesweeper, a destroyer and an ammunition supply ship. The attack also irreparably damaged another destroyer and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi">{{cite web\|author1=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani (retd.)\|author-link1=Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani\|title=1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi\|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|website=Indian Defence Review\|access-date=25 June 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217084537/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/\|archive-date=17 February 2017\|date=11 July 2015\|url-status=dead\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To commemorate this, 4 December is celebrated as the [[Navy Day (India)\|Navy Day]].<ref name="In 1971 Navy Day">{{cite web\|title=In 1971, The Indian Navy Attempted One of the World's Most Daring War Strategies on Karachi\|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|website=Scoop Whoop\|access-date=25 June 2017\|language=En\|date=9 July 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209141754/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/\|archive-date=9 December 2022}}</ref> This was followed by [[Operation Python]] on 8 December 1971, further deprecating the Pakistan Navy's capabilities.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi"/>

	In the war, The Indian frigate {{INS\|Khukri\|F149\|6}}, commanded by [[Captain (Indian Navy)\|Captain]] [[Mahendra Nath Mulla]], [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC]] was sunk by {{ship\|PNS\|Hangor\|S131\|6}}, while {{INS\|Kirpan\|1959\|6}} was damaged on the west coast.<ref name="The sinking of INS Kukhri">{{cite web\|author1=Russell Phillips\|title=The sinking of INS Kukhri\|url=https://www.russellphillipsbooks.co.uk/the-sinking-of-ins-khukri/\|website=Russell Phillips Books\|access-date=25 June 2017\|date=3 June 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>		In the war, The Indian frigate {{INS\|Khukri\|F149\|6}}, commanded by [[Captain (Indian Navy)\|Captain]] [[Mahendra Nath Mulla]], [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC]] was sunk by {{ship\|PNS\|Hangor\|S131\|6}}, while {{INS\|Kirpan\|1959\|6}} was damaged on the west coast.<ref name="The sinking of INS Kukhri">{{cite web\|author1=Russell Phillips\|title=The sinking of INS Kukhri\|url=https://www.russellphillipsbooks.co.uk/the-sinking-of-ins-khukri/\|website=Russell Phillips Books\|access-date=25 June 2017\|date=3 June 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

	==Kargil War==		==Kargil War==
	The [[Indian Navy]] launched Operation Talwar on 25 May 1999. The entire Western Fleet had sailed from [[Mumbai]] to the North Arabian Sea to increase surveillance and adopt a deterrent posture. Elements of the Eastern Fleet joined the Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea later. The joint Western and Eastern Fleets blockaded the [[:Category:Ports and harbours of Pakistan\|Pakistani ports]] (primarily the [[Port of Karachi\|Karachi port]]).<ref>{{cite web\| url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/CP65.Grare.FINAL.pdf\|title=The Resurgence of Baluch nationalism\|first=Frédéric \|last=Grare\|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]\| access-date=20 May ~~2009~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Sea Power\|url=http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Force India\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818112456/http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|archive-date=18 August 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Azam Khan\|first=Cdr (Retd) Muhammad\|title=Exercise Seaspark—2001\|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2001/apr/seaspark.htm\|publisher=Defence Journal\|access-date=17 August ~~2013~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Indian Navy celebrates its silent Kargil victory\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/12113/report-indian-navy-celebrates-its-silent-kargil-victory\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=DNA India\|date=30 November ~~2005~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=General Ashok K Mehta\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Rediff\|date=5 August ~~2005~~}}</ref> They began aggressive patrols and threatened to cut Pakistan's sea trade. This exploited Pakistan's dependence on sea-based oil and trade flows.<ref name=navy>{{cite news\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=19 October 2014\|date=5 August 1999\|author=General Ashok K Mehta}}</ref> Later, then-[[Prime Minister of Pakistan]], Nawaz Sharif disclosed that Pakistan was left with just six days of fuel to sustain itself if a full-scale war had broken out.<ref name = "Globalsecurity">{{cite web\| url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kargil-99.htm\|title=1999 Kargil Conflict\|work=GlobalSecurity.org\| access-date=20 May ~~2009~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|first=Bruce \|last=Riedel\|title=Avoiding Armageddon \|publisher= HarperCollins \|isbn=9350299941 \|url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130428/jsp/7days/story_16836328.jsp}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Lambeth\|first=Benjamin\|title=Airpower at 18,000': The Indian Air Force in the Kargil War\|year=2012\|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\|page=54\|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/files/kargil.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Hiranandani\|first=G. M.\|title=Transition to Guardianship: The Indian Navy 1991–2000\|year=2009\|publisher=Lancer Publishers\|location=New Delhi\|isbn=978-1935501268\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w2snz5Cfb0gC&q=a%20leander%20class%20frigate%20barrier&pg=PA1924}}</ref>		The [[Indian Navy]] launched Operation Talwar on 25 May 1999. The entire Western Fleet had sailed from [[Mumbai]] to the North Arabian Sea to increase surveillance and adopt a deterrent posture. Elements of the Eastern Fleet joined the Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea later. The joint Western and Eastern Fleets blockaded the [[:Category:Ports and harbours of Pakistan\|Pakistani ports]] (primarily the [[Port of Karachi\|Karachi port]]).<ref>{{cite web\| url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/CP65.Grare.FINAL.pdf\|title=The Resurgence of Baluch nationalism\|first=Frédéric \|last=Grare\|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]\| access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Sea Power\|url=http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Force India\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818112456/http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx\|archive-date=18 August 2013\|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Azam Khan\|first=Cdr (Retd) Muhammad\|title=Exercise Seaspark—2001\|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2001/apr/seaspark.htm\|publisher=Defence Journal\|access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Indian Navy celebrates its silent Kargil victory\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/12113/report-indian-navy-celebrates-its-silent-kargil-victory\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=DNA India\|date=30 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=General Ashok K Mehta\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=17 August 2013\|newspaper=Rediff\|date=5 August 2022}}</ref> They began aggressive patrols and threatened to cut Pakistan's sea trade. This exploited Pakistan's dependence on sea-based oil and trade flows.<ref name=navy>{{cite news\|title=The silent sentinel\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm\|access-date=19 October 2014\|date=5 August 1999\|author=General Ashok K Mehta}}</ref> Later, then-[[Prime Minister of Pakistan]], Nawaz Sharif disclosed that Pakistan was left with just six days of fuel to sustain itself if a full-scale war had broken out.<ref name = "Globalsecurity">{{cite web\| url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kargil-99.htm\|title=1999 Kargil Conflict\|work=GlobalSecurity.org\| access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|first=Bruce \|last=Riedel\|title=Avoiding Armageddon \|publisher= HarperCollins \|isbn=9350299941 \|url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130428/jsp/7days/story_16836328.jsp}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Lambeth\|first=Benjamin\|title=Airpower at 18,000': The Indian Air Force in the Kargil War\|year=2012\|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\|page=54\|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/files/kargil.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|last=Hiranandani\|first=G. M.\|title=Transition to Guardianship: The Indian Navy 1991–2000\|year=2009\|publisher=Lancer Publishers\|location=New Delhi\|isbn=978-1935501268\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w2snz5Cfb0gC&q=a%20leander%20class%20frigate%20barrier&pg=PA1924}}</ref>

	==Fleet Commander==		==Fleet Commander==

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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= Western Fleet
|image= File:Western Fleet (cropped).jpg
|image_size= 200px
|caption=
|start_date=1 March 1968
|country= {{flag|India}}
|branch= {{navy|India}}
|type= Fleet
|size=
|command_structure= [[Western Naval Command]]
|garrison=[[Mumbai]]
|garrison_label= Headquarters
|equipment=
|equipment_label=
|nickname=
|motto=
|march=
|mascot=
|battles=
|anniversaries=
|decorations=
|battle_honors=
|commander1= [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] [[Ajay Kochhar]], [[Nao Sena Medal|NM]]
|commander1_label= [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet|FOCWF]]
|notable_commanders= [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] [[Elenjikal Chandy Kuruvila|E C Kuruvila]], {{small|[[PVSM]], [[AVSM]]}}
|identification_symbol=
|identification_symbol_label=
|identification_symbol_2=
|identification_symbol_2_label=
}}

The '''Western Fleet''' is a [[Naval fleet]] of the [[Indian Navy]]. It is known as the 'Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy.<ref name="indiannavy.nic.in">{{cite web |title=Western Fleet Celebrates Golden Jubilee {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/western-fleet-celebrates-golden-jubilee |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> It is headquartered at [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]] on the west coast of India. It is a part of the [[Western Naval Command]] and is responsible for the naval forces in the [[Arabian Sea]] and parts of the [[Indian Ocean]].

The Western Fleet was formally constituted on 1 March 1968.<ref name="indiannavy.nic.in"/> The Fleet is commanded by a [[Two-star rank|Two Star]] Flag Officer of the rank of [[Rear Admiral]] with the title [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]] (FOCWF). Rear Admiral [[Ajay Kochhar]], NM is the current FOCWF, who took over on 24 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=REAR ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE WESTERN FLEET (FOCWF) |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1700554 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> The current flagship of the Western Fleet is the [[aircraft carrier]] {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}}.
[[File:Indian_Navy_flotilla_of_Western_Fleet_escort_INS_Vikramaditya_(R33)_and_INS_Viraat_(R22)_in_the_Arabian_Sea.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Western Fleet in 2014 with the Aircraft Carriers {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}} ([[flagship]]) and {{ship|INS|Viraat|R22}} in the Arabian Sea]]

==History==
After the [[independence of India|independence]] and the [[partition of India]] on 15 August 1947, the ships and personnel of the [[Royal Indian Navy]] were divided between the [[Dominion of India]] and the [[Dominion of Pakistan]]. The division of the ships was on the basis of two-thirds of the fleet to India, one third to Pakistan.<ref>Bhatia (1977), p. 28: "Consequent on the partition of the country on 15 August 1947, two thirds of the undivided fleet and associated assets came to India."</ref>

This was then called the Indian Fleet. After her [[Ship commissioning|commissioning]] in 1948, [[INS Delhi (C74)|HMIS Delhi]] (later called ''INS Delhi'') became the [[Flagship]] of the Indian Fleet. The Fleet commander was styled as ''Flag Officer Commanding Indian Fleet'' (FOCIF).
In 1956, [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] [[Ram Dass Katari]] became the first Indian flag officer, and was appointed the first Indian Commander of the Fleet on 2 October, when he took over from [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] [[Sir]] [[St John Tyrwhitt]].{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=250}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Katari |first1=Ram Dass |title=A sailor remembers |year=1982 |publisher=Vikas |isbn=9780706920642}}</ref> In 1957, [[INS Mysore (C60)|INS Mysore]] was commissioned and the flag of Rear Adm Katari was transferred from INS Delhi to INS Mysore, thus becoming the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book |title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 |year=1992 |publisher=Lancer International |isbn=9788170621485 |page=80}}</ref>

The first [[Aircraft carrier]] of the Indian Navy, [[INS Vikrant (R11)|INS Vikrant]] was commissioned in 1961 and became the flagship of the Indian Fleet.<ref>{{cite book |title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65 |year=1992 |publisher=Lancer International |isbn=9788170621485 |page=236}}</ref>

On 1 March 1968, the [[Eastern Naval Command]] was established and the Indian Fleet was renamed as the Western Fleet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ENC {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/golden-jubilee-celebrations-enc |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Hiranandani |first1=G M |title=Transition to triumph : history of the Indian Navy, 1965-1975 |year=2000 |publisher=Lancer Publishers |isbn=978-1897829721}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reorganisation of Naval Commands|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-02_089.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=2 March 1968|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>

==Indo-Pakistani War of 1971==
At the outbreak of war, the Western Fleet was commanded by Rear Admiral E C Kuruvilla, [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Roy |first1=Mihir |title=War in the Indian Ocean |year=1995 |publisher=Lancer Publishers |isbn=9781897829110 |page=285}}</ref> In mid 1971, The [[Aircraft carrier]] [[INS Vikrant (R11)|INS Vikrant]], along with the frigates [[INS Brahmaputra (1957)|INS Brahmaputra]] and [[INS Beas (1958)|INS Beas]] were moved from the Western Fleet to the [[Eastern Naval Command]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Krishnan |first1=Nilakanta |title=A Sailor's story |year=2011 |publisher=Punya Pub |isbn=978-8189534141}}</ref> Due to this, INS Mysore, once again, became the flagship of the Western Fleet.

According to [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Sourendra Nath Kohli]], the then Commander-in-Chief [[Western Naval Command]],
''"The Western Fleet was given a broad directive to seek and destroy enemy warships, protect our merchant shipping, deny sealanes to enemy shipping and render ineffective the [[Sea lines of communication|maritime line of communication]] between [[West Pakistan]] and [[East Pakistan]] to prevent any reinforcements from reaching the beleaguered Pakistani forces at that end."''<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kohli |first1=Sourendra Nath |title=We dared |year=2003 |publisher=John Blake |isbn=978-1844540013}}</ref>

===ORBAT===
The Order of Battle of the Western Fleet was:<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cardozo |first1=Maj Gen Ian |title=The sinking of INS Khukri : survivors' stories |year=2006 |publisher=Lotus Collection |isbn=9788174364999 |pages=181–182}}</ref><br/>
'''Fleet Commander:''' [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] [[Elenjikal Chandy Kuruvila]]
* '''Flag Ship''' [[INS Mysore (C60)|INS Mysore]] - [[Captain (Indian Navy)|Captain]] [[Rustom K. S. Ghandhi|R K S Gandhi]], [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
* '''15th Frigate Squadron'''
** [[INS Trishul (F143)|INS Trishul]] - [[Captain (Indian Navy)|Captain]] K M V Nair, [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
** [[INS Talwar (F140)|INS Talwar]] - [[Commander]] S S Kumar, [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
* '''14th Frigate Squadron'''
** [[INS Khukri (F149)|INS Khukri]] - [[Captain (Indian Navy)|Captain]] [[Mahendra Nath Mulla]], [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]]
** [[INS Kirpan (F144)|INS Kirpan]] - [[Commander]] R R Sood, [[Vir Chakra|VrC]], [[Nau Sena Medal|NM]]
** [[INS Kuthar (F146)|INS Kuthar]] - [[Commander]] U C Tripathi, [[Nau Sena Medal|NM]]
* '''31 Patrol Squadron'''
Patrol Vessels
** [[INS Kiltan (P79)|INS Kiltan]] - [[Commander]] K P Gopal Rao, [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]], [[Vishisht Seva Medal|VSM]]
** [[INS Katchall (P81)|INS Katchall]] - [[Commander]] K N Zadu, [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
** [[INS Kadmatt (P78)|INS Kadmatt]] - [[Commander]] S Jain, [[Nau Sena Medal|NM]]
Frigates
** [[HMIS Cauvery|INS Cauvery]] - [[Commander]] I K Erry
** [[HMIS Kistna|INS Kistna]] - [[Commander]] R A J Anderson
** [[HMIS Tir|INS Tir]] - [[Commander]] M Pratap
Destroyer
** [[HMS Redoubt (H41)|INS Ranjit]] - [[Commander]] R N Singh
Submarines
** [[INS Karanj (S21)|INS Karanj]] - [[Commander]] [[Vijai Singh Shekhawat]], [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
** [[INS Kursura (S20)|INS Kursura]] - [[Commander]] [[Arun Auditto]], [[Nau Sena Medal|NM]]
* OSA Class Patrol Boats
'''25 K Squadron''' - [[Commander]] [[Babru Bhan Yadav]], [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]]

251K Division
** [[INS Nashak (K87)|INS Nashak]] - [[Lieutenant Commander]] R B Suri
** [[INS Nipat (K86)|INS Nipat]] - [[Lieutenant Commander]] B N Kavina, [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
** [[INS Nirghat (K89)|INS Nirghat]] - [[Lieutenant Commander]] J Sharma, [[AVSM]], [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
** [[INS Nirbhik (K88)|INS Nirbhik]] - [[Lieutenant Commander]] S Issac
252 K Division
** [[INS Vijeta (K84)|INS Vijeta]] - [[Commander]] A K Parti
** [[INS Vinash (K85)|INS Vinash]] - [[Lieutenant Commander]] V Jerath, [[Vir Chakra|VrC]]
** [[INS Veer (K82)|INS Veer]] - [[Lieutenant Commander]] O P Mehta, [[Vir Chakra|VrC]], [[Nau Sena Medal|NM]]
** [[INS Vidyut (K83)|INS Vidyut]] - [[Lieutenant Commander]] B B Singh

===Operation Trident & Operation Python===
{{Main articles|Operation Trident (1971)|Operation Python}}
On 4 December, the fleet successfully executed [[Operation Trident (1971)|Operation Trident]], a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters at [[Karachi]] that sank a minesweeper, a destroyer and an ammunition supply ship. The attack also irreparably damaged another destroyer and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi">{{cite web|author1=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani (retd.)|author-link1=Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani|title=1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/|website=Indian Defence Review|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217084537/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/|archive-date=17 February 2017|date=11 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To commemorate this, 4 December is celebrated as the [[Navy Day (India)|Navy Day]].<ref name="In 1971 Navy Day">{{cite web|title=In 1971, The Indian Navy Attempted One of the World's Most Daring War Strategies on Karachi|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/|website=Scoop Whoop|access-date=25 June 2017|language=En|date=9 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209141754/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/|archive-date=9 December 2016}}</ref> This was followed by [[Operation Python]] on 8 December 1971, further deprecating the Pakistan Navy's capabilities.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi"/>

In the war, The Indian frigate {{INS|Khukri|F149|6}}, commanded by [[Captain (Indian Navy)|Captain]] [[Mahendra Nath Mulla]], [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]] was sunk by {{ship|PNS|Hangor|S131|6}}, while {{INS|Kirpan|1959|6}} was damaged on the west coast.<ref name="The sinking of INS Kukhri">{{cite web|author1=Russell Phillips|title=The sinking of INS Kukhri|url=https://www.russellphillipsbooks.co.uk/the-sinking-of-ins-khukri/|website=Russell Phillips Books|access-date=25 June 2017|date=3 June 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Kargil War==
The [[Indian Navy]] launched Operation Talwar on 25 May 1999. The entire Western Fleet had sailed from [[Mumbai]] to the North Arabian Sea to increase surveillance and adopt a deterrent posture. Elements of the Eastern Fleet joined the Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea later. The joint Western and Eastern Fleets blockaded the [[:Category:Ports and harbours of Pakistan|Pakistani ports]] (primarily the [[Port of Karachi|Karachi port]]).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/CP65.Grare.FINAL.pdf|title=The Resurgence of Baluch nationalism|first=Frédéric |last=Grare|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]| access-date=20 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sea Power|url=http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx|access-date=17 August 2013|newspaper=Force India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818112456/http://www.forceindia.net/SeaPower.aspx|archive-date=18 August 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Azam Khan|first=Cdr (Retd) Muhammad|title=Exercise Seaspark—2001|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2001/apr/seaspark.htm|publisher=Defence Journal|access-date=17 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Indian Navy celebrates its silent Kargil victory|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/12113/report-indian-navy-celebrates-its-silent-kargil-victory|access-date=17 August 2013|newspaper=DNA India|date=30 November 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=General Ashok K Mehta|title=The silent sentinel|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm|access-date=17 August 2013|newspaper=Rediff|date=5 August 2005}}</ref> They began aggressive patrols and threatened to cut Pakistan's sea trade. This exploited Pakistan's dependence on sea-based oil and trade flows.<ref name=navy>{{cite news|title=The silent sentinel|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/aug/05ashok.htm|access-date=19 October 2014|date=5 August 1999|author=General Ashok K Mehta}}</ref> Later, then-[[Prime Minister of Pakistan]], Nawaz Sharif disclosed that Pakistan was left with just six days of fuel to sustain itself if a full-scale war had broken out.<ref name = "Globalsecurity">{{cite web| url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kargil-99.htm|title=1999 Kargil Conflict|work=GlobalSecurity.org| access-date=20 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Bruce |last=Riedel|title=Avoiding Armageddon |publisher= HarperCollins |isbn=9350299941 |url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130428/jsp/7days/story_16836328.jsp}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lambeth|first=Benjamin|title=Airpower at 18,000': The Indian Air Force in the Kargil War|year=2012|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|page=54|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/files/kargil.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Hiranandani|first=G. M.|title=Transition to Guardianship: The Indian Navy 1991–2000|year=2009|publisher=Lancer Publishers|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-1935501268|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w2snz5Cfb0gC&q=a%20leander%20class%20frigate%20barrier&pg=PA1924}}</ref>

==Fleet Commander==
{{Main|Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet}}
The Fleet Commander is titled Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF).
The appointment has been known by several titles since 1947:
* 1947 - 1951 - Commodore Commanding Indian Naval Squadron (COMINS)
* 1951 - 1952 - Rear Admiral Commanding Indian Naval Squadron (RACINS)
* 1952 - 1957 - Flag Officer Commanding (Flotillas) Indian Fleet (FOCFIF)
* 1957 - 1968 - Flag Officer Commanding Indian Fleet (FOCIF)
* 1968–present - Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF)

==See also==
* [[Western Naval Command]]
* [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]]
* [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Indian Navy}}

[[Category:Indian Navy]]
[[Category:Naval units and formations of India]]