In the previously cited report in Navhind Times of Dec 3, the following information appears about Seabird in Karwar (emphasis mine):
<Rear Admiral Vadgaokar stated that the naval base at Karwar is presently only capable of berthing of ships and submarines and not for accommodating LARGE bodied aircraft and their operations. "There is no airfield in Karwar Naval Base" stated Rear Admiral Vadgaokar and further pointed out that a provision does exist in the blue print of the SECOND phase of 'Project Seabird' to have a small airfield at Karwar however it's use will be limited to operations of helicopters and small aircraft primarily to maintain supply lines to the ships and submarines". Rear Admiral Vadgaokar cleared its stand saying that the topography and geographical location of Karwar does not permit operations of LARGE bodied aircraft operations of LARGE bodied aircraft.> A couple of quick points: 1. The second phase of Seabird project should be underway right now or very soon. This information is not provided either by the Navy or the media. 2. My recollection from 2003 and 2004 is that the plan was to have a 6000 foot airfield at Yenkebe, 10-20 km from Karwar. That's enough for 737s! Now all of a sudden the talk is only about helicopers and "small planes". 3. What does a naval base need 'large' bodied aircraft for besides transport and maybe long range maritime patrolling? What Dabolim needs is a relocation of flight training for carrier based aircraft like Sea Harriers and, in a few years, MiG29Ks. Since the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (ex-Gorshkov) is to be based in Karwar and not Mumbai (as the Viraat is), then carrier based flight training at Seabird would be a cinch. 4. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006 For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------
