PUNE: As part of outdoor training, Camp ‘Aakraman’ was conducted by INS Shivaji for trainee sailors of Merged Artificer Apprentice Course (MAAC) XXIX from April 23 to 26 near Tungarli Lake, Lonavla. 

The aim of the camp was to develop stamina, camaraderie and teamwork, which are qualities required in military operations.

A total of 162 naval personnel took part in the camp, which included 131 trainees from MAAC XXIX and 17 Assistant Divisional Officers from Marine Engineering Specialisation Course, 12 Assistant Divisional Chiefs from CHERA ‘Q’ course and two sailors from the Training Team.

Major activities included an approach route march from INS Shivaji to the camp site (nearly 16 km away), night navigation exercise, route march to Valvan sunrise point, night route march to Rajmachi bridge, mini Josh run, tent pitching and troop games such as tug of war and volleyball. The camp culminated with a ‘Josh run’ back to INS Shivaji from the camp site. 

In the team competition, Korigad division emerged as the Champions of Camp Aakraman-19, while Hemgad division was adjudged runner-up. In the individual categories, Lokesh Babu (ERA/APP) from Korigad division was adjudged as the ‘Best Camp Trainee’ and Amal (ERA/APP) from Hemgad Division, was adjudged the ‘Most Spirited Trainee’ of Camp Aakraman-19.