OPERATION JUPITER ( OPERATION PAWAN)

FROM THE HIMALAYAS TO THE ARABIAN SEA

Folks.In the true traditions of the Indian Armed Forces , to fulfill their vow to serve their Motherland by Land/Air/Sea, the 'BHULAS' of 7 Garhwal Rifles belonging to the Himalayan Region were airlifted by IL-76s all the way from Bareilly to Trivandrum on 26 July 1989 ,& later by helicopter embarkation from INS GARUDA,Cochin by Sea Kings & Chetaks on board INS VIRAAT - sailing in the High seas to execute a special Mission Operation 'JUPITER' ( Op PAWAN).
What a perfect blend ! From the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea !
INS VIRAAT had now became a Commando Carrier with her Harriers, C42s & Chetaks already landed - a floating city with 1800 plus on board & still having 200 Bunks vacant for emergency !
From a crack foot slogging infantry battalion,we converted into a formidable Assault Battalion after having trained day in & day out with C 42s & other Crafts.Hats off to the MARCOS !
We later disembarked at the Lions Gate, Mumbai to a rousing reception by the Top Brass of the three Services & the Mumbayites - with Military Band leading our long convoy up to Kalina Camp.
The Garhwal Rifles Regiment is combat affiliated with INS VIRAAT & also with 14 SQUADRON IAF that provided valuable ground & air support to 10,17 & 18 Garhwal Rifles during Operation VIJAY.
THE ILLUSTRIOUS GARHWAL RIFLES REGIMENT IS THE ONLY REGIMENT OF INDIAN ARMY TO HAVE THE SINGULAR DISTINCTION & HONOUR TO HAVE TRI-SERVICE COMBAT AFFILIATION.
JAI BADRI VISHAL.
JAI HIND.