Indian Army Mumbai – Okha and return Ocean Sailing Expedition begins

The Bombay Engineer Group and Center is celebrating two hundred years of the saga of valor, sacrifice and accomplishment in the service of the Indian Army in January 2020.  In the course of the last 200 yrs the Bombay Sappers have earned 31 Theater Honours and 37 Battle Honours, in addition to one Victoria Cross, one Param Vir Chakra, one Ashok Chakra and numerous gallantry awards, displaying the grit and courage of the Bombay Sappers. The Bombay Sappers are the pioneers of many adventure activities in the Indian Army and have participated in numerous Mountaineering Expeditions, Round the World Sailing and Skydiving.

To mark this momentous occasion a series of expeditions have been planned which include Motor Cycle expedition from Dras to Pune planned over a distance of 3687 Kms through eight states over 26 days from 26 July to 21 August 2019, Mountaineering expedition to Mount Baljuri (5922 Metres) from 29 Aug to 30 Sep 2019, Bicentenary Marathon in Dighi Hills on 05 Jan 2020 & Sailing expedition from 13 to 27 January 2020.

The Army Ocean Sailing expedition has been planned from Mumbai to Okha & back from 13 – 27 January 2020. The 15 days sailing expedition will test the skill of sailors on high seas.  The expedition is led by Lieutenant Colonel MK Singh & consists of five Officers, two Junior Commissioned Officers & 35 Other Rank from all arms & services to include Engineers, EME, Signals, SIKH LI & MARATHA LI troops.  The team will sail in four seabird class boats which will be supported by a Ground Support Team which will move along the route for immediate support

The expedition was flagged off by Lieutenant General Michael Mathews, PVSM, VSM, Commandant, CME, Pune and Colonel Commandant, The Bombay Sappers & Brigadier MJ Kumar, SM, Commandant, BEG & Centre, Kirkee amongst other dignitaries.