Pakistan Navy on Tuesday inducted an exclusive training ship PNS Rahnaward into its fleet. A Pakistan Navy statement here said the ship had been acquired for training of cadets and sailors. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir, was the chief guest on the occasion.
PNS Rahnaward has been acquired from Britain where the ship was part of the fleet as `HMS William'. The ship is equipped with complete suite of modern sensors and gadgets. Navigation radars, satellite communication system, fire control system and built-in electronic charting system are the main features of the ship. The ship reached Karachi harbour after covering a distance of 7,000 nautical miles, thereby, grabbing the opportunity to show national flag in three continents.
With a total sail area of 949 square meter, the ship has 18 sails. Its length is 59.35 meters with a draught of 4.8 meters and a tonnage of 498 tons. Apart from the square-rigged sails, the ship is also equipped with a full outfit of modern machinery for main propulsion. Addition of the ship in PN fleet would certainly add value and finesse to the seamen's training.
Addressing on the occasion, the Naval Chief said that hi-tech military hardware was no panacea in itself, rather it was the professional competence of the fighting force and their resolve to protect national interest at all costs.
In today's fast changing world, and in the wake of rapid developments in technology and naval strategies, the significance of professional knowledge and human skill had increased manifold, he observed "We must understand that only with the quality training and consistent hard work, we can achieve the much needed edge over our adversary", he added.
The Naval Chief apprised the audience that Pakistan Navy was vigorously pursuing a comprehensive strategy for building a balanced fleet comprising modern frigates, submarines and aircraft. Induction of three F-22 P, P3C aircraft, Z9Ec helicopters and under construction Small Tanker-cum-Utility Ship at Karachi Shipyard was a testimony to this policy, he added.