Kochi: The President, A P J Abdul Kalam, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed forces, on November 17 visited the Southern Naval Command headquarters in Kochi soon after his arrival from Delhi.

On arrival at the Command, the President, inspected a Guard of Honour by 150 Naval personnel, a Navy release said. Excepting for six press photographers, the function was out of bounds for media personnel.

After a brief introduction with the dignitaries, the President visited the Naval Aircraft Yard (NAY), where Commodore Koshy Varghese, Commodore Superintendent of the yard gave a briefing on 'Project Ashok', the Pegasus Engine Repair and Overhaul facilities set up by the Navy to repair Sea Harrier aircraft. The President also went round the facilities and exchanged words with the personnel about the project.

Major General Dogra, Military Secretary to the President also accompanied the President.

The President also enquired about the Naval Academy project coming up at Ezhimala and was told that it was likely to be ready by 2004-end.

Dr Kalam wrote in the visitors book 'Delighted to visit Southern Naval Command, My Greetings'.

The President was presented with a memento of the Southern Naval Command and the Naval Aircraft Yard before his departure to Kozhikode.

PTI