INS Alleppey to be decommissioned on March 13

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Alleppey, a minesweeper ship will be decommissioned on March 13 (Wednesday) at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

The vessel was commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 10, 1980. "It is the last of the six Pondicherry Class Mineseweepers and has rendered nearly 35 years of service to the nation," read a statement of the Indian Navy.

The purpose of minesweeper vessels is for mine detection and delineation, which is essential to keep the harbours clear of sea mines for safe passage of ships.