Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Meera Behn was ceremonially decommissioned at Okha Port with full Armed Forces honours, marking the end of the vessel’s distinguished service spanning more than two decades.
The decommissioning ceremony was presided over by Deputy Inspector General Manjeet Singh Gill, Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 15, Okha. Commandant (JG) Thinkal Tharakan, Commanding Officer of ICGS Meera Behn, along with the ship’s crew, civil and military dignitaries and representatives of Coast Guard units at Okha, attended the ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. As the sun set, the Coast Guard Ensign was hauled down from the ship for the final time, followed by the lowering of the Decommissioning Pennant, formally marking the end of the vessel’s active operational service.
Built by Goa Shipyard Limited and commissioned on 25 July 2006, ICGS Meera Behn was part of the water-jet-propelled Extra Fast Patrol Vessel (XFPV) series, known for its high speed and operational agility. During its service, the vessel played an important role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and contributed to a wide range of Coast Guard operations.
The ship was named after Meerabehn, the British-born disciple of Mahatma Gandhi who dedicated her life to India’s freedom struggle and the ideals of selfless service. Inspired by Gandhian principles, she was given the name “Meera” by Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of her devotion and commitment.
During the ceremony, Commandant (JG) Thinkal Tharakan rendered the final decommissioning report to DIG Manjeet Singh Gill, formally bringing the ship’s operational tenure to an end.
Addressing the crew and guests, DIG Manjeet Singh Gill paid tribute to the ship and all personnel who had served onboard over the years. He commended the crew for their yeoman service and dedication to protecting the nation’s maritime interests, and acknowledged the significant contribution of ICGS Meera Behn to the Indian Coast Guard’s operational mandate.
The decommissioning marked a solemn milestone in the ship’s journey and brought to a close more than two decades of service under the National Flag and Coast Guard Ensign.
