3 Navy Officers chosen for Gallantry Awards

KOCHI: Three officers of the Indian Navy have been chosen for the Gallantry Awards in connection with the Independence Day.Commander Bahuguna, Commander J T Mundackal and Commander S Muthukumaran have been selected for the award for their actions during anti-piracy operations.Commander Arun Bahuguna is the commanding officer of INS Kankarso. On January 28, INS Kankarso, under the command of Arun Bahuguna, was on an anti-piracy patrol off the Lakshadweep Islands when it successfully intercepted Thai-flagged pirated trawler, Prantalay-14.Commanding officer of INS Suvarna, Commander Joji Tom Mundakel, hails from Kerala.In an anti-piracy operation, Commander Joji Tom Mundackel successfully intercepted MV Mortaza on March 26.  His action led to the capture of 16 pirates and rescue of 16 hostages onboard.Commander S Muthukumaran is at present serving at Headquarters Southern Naval Command in Kochi.In yet another anti-piracy action, Muthukumaran, leading a 12-member team of Marine Commandoes, rescued 14 crew of MV Orinoco and sanitised the ship.  Bahuguna and Muthukumaran are Marine Commandos.