India’s Bold Mission: C-17 Aircraft Deployment to Somalia with MARCOs and Rescue Boats

New Delhi: Recently, Indian forces conducted a brave operation to rescue 17 crew members from a merchant ship off the coast of Somalia. The government shared the details while honoring Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, who piloted the C-17 military aircraft for this risky mission.

Wing Commander Saxena, who joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006, has been part of the C-17 squadron since February 2021. He received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) on Republic Day for his extraordinary bravery during the operation.

Given the urgency of the task, Wing Commander Saxena quickly organized the crew and prepared the aircraft for takeoff. The mission was time-sensitive and conducted under secret conditions, as it involved flying undetected into another country’s airspace for nearly four hours.

This operation took place on March 16, 2024, as part of Operation Sankalp, aimed at combating piracy in the Arabian Sea. The pirates had been attacking merchant ships and had even targeted the INS Kolkata and shot down a naval drone just a day earlier.

As part of the mission, Wing Commander Saxena deployed two combat rubberized raiding craft (CRRC) and a team of 18 MARCOs, the elite special forces of the Indian Navy, to reclaim the pirate-held ship.

Wing Commander Saxena piloted the C-17 low across the ocean, turning off all signals to avoid detection. With only 50 nautical miles to go before the drop, he adeptly adjusted to a new drop zone, ensuring a successful operation that led to the capture of the pirates and the safe rescue of the crew from the MV Ruen.

This operation required top-notch coordination between services and a strong grasp of the situation on both land and air. Over the nearly 10-hour mission, Wing Commander Saxena demonstrated remarkable courage, leadership, and professionalism. His efforts not only saved lives but also showcased the effectiveness of the Indian forces in tackling piracy on a global scale.

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Wing Commander Akshay Saxena,Indian Navy,MARCOs