INS Circars, the first Naval establishment in Visakhapatnam, is celebrating its Platinum Jubilee on Friday.

The British had identified Visakhapatnam as an important convoy assembly point for military operation in 1923. However, it was on this day 75 years ago, a small Naval Base was commissioned on December 12, 1939. To cater to the need for expansion, the base was formally established as HMIS Circars on April 12, 1942, according to an official release.

The origin of the name ‘Circars’ relates to the Nizam of Hyderabad, who had ruled this land. The first Naval establishment of the Eastern Seaboard was therefore aptly named ‘Circars’, a befitting title to the Depot Ship.

Commodore K.P. Gopal Rao, MVC, VSM (Retd.), former Commanding Officer INS Circars from January 3, 1974 to January 16, 1976, would be the chief guest at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – December 12th, 2014