Pakistan Navy on Wednesday celebrated the 49th “HANGOR Day” – reminiscent of unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of Pakistan Navy’s Submarine Hangor during the 1971 war, which took down an Indian Naval Ship and damaged another.
To mark the day the Navy released a special documentary to pay tribute to its valiant team of PNS HANGOR, a Daphne class submarine acquired from France, which sank Indian Naval Ship (INS) KHUKRI and crippled INS KIRPAN during the 1971 war.
It was the only kill by any conventional submarine since World War-II. It was in 1982 that HMS Conqueror of the Royal Navy sank the General Belgrano of the Argentine Navy.
In recognition of heroic act, crew of Hangor was decorated with four Sitara-e-Jurrat, six Tamgha-e-Jurrat and 16 lmtiazi Asnad.
“A symbol of bravery & resilience, PN Submarine Force is Alhamdulillah strong & determined to always strike at the enemy,” a tweet from the Pakistan Navy said.
An impressive ceremony was held at PN Dockyard Karachi to mark the day. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Naveed Ashraf was the chief guest.
According to details released by the Pakistan Navy the submarine Hangor remained a pride for Pakistan Navy in 1971 war. Its gallant action was not only a spectacular tactical battle resulting in sinking of Indian Navy’s Frigate but was a strategic overture of Pakistan Navy which effectively thwarted and marginalized Indian aggression imposed on Pakistan during 1971 war.
The heroic action took place at south east of ‘Diu Head’ on west coast of India. The event was distinguished in naval history for being the first and only successful kill by a conventional submarine after WW-II.
Owing to the outstanding leadership of its Commanding Officer, then Commander Ahmed Tasnim and the professional crew, enemy remained unable to detect the submarine as it successfully returned Karachi on completion of the mission.
On the occasion, message of Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Tasnim (then Commanding Officer of submarine HANGOR) was aired. The Admiral paid rich tribute to the valiant crew for their service in defence of the motherland in general and Pakistan Navy in particular.
He described Hangor as “a luminous part of Pakistan Navy history” and said it will always be remembered.
Pakistan Navy submarine Hangor was the first of Daphne class submarines acquired from France. Commissioned in 1969, it served Pakistan Navy with honour till her decommissioning in 2006.
It now stands proud at Pakistan Maritime Museum Karachi as a symbol of courage and victory.
A statement from the Pakistan Navy said its Submarine Force continues to live up to their reputation and their valiant performance post Pulwama incident was a testament of courage and professionalism.
“Their forward deployment deterred the adversary in mitigating any maritime aggression and misadventure. PN submarines have always remained a source of terror in enemy’s heart.”
The ceremony was attended by large number of PN officers, CPOs/ Sailors and Navy civilians.
