AIR FORCE
20 Squadron, the Lightnings is one of the most highly decorated squadrons of the Indian Air Force, which has the unique distinction of flying the famous aircraft, the Hunter for almost two decades. The Squadron has had a glorious history since its raising in 1956 and during combat flying in two air wars have earned an impressive tally of numerous kills, two Mahavir Chakras and eight Vir Chakras.
The crest of the Squadron embodies three bars of lightning in conjunction with the Himalayan Eagle. Its Sanskrit motto translates into “Fast and Fearless” upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. The Squadron has also had the honour of receiving the President’s Colours in 1992. The Squadron today proudly flies Sukhois-30 MKI, the modern state of the art, super fighters and for their immense contribution to air operations and dedication to duty they were conferred with the Chief of Air Staff Citation for the year 2014.
At a momentous ceremony in Nov 2006 the 20 squadron was affiliated with one of the oldest Regiment of the Indian Army Maratha Light Infantry, thus resonating the steadfast tread of the Marathas with the fiery flash of the Lightnings. Today the Regiment and 20th Squadron strive to continue the bonding of shared history and experiences in the spirit of joint manship in line with the famous saying ‘Touching the Sky with Glory’.
NAVY
INS Mumbai, is a state of the art Delhi Class Guided Missile destroyer and is a prime operational asset in the arsenal of the Indian Navy. It is the 10th warship built by the Mazagon Docks Limited, Mumbai and was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 2001.
History has it that in 1942 as a tribute to the Maratha Light Infantry’s contribution and achievements in the World War II, the British Admiralty decided to bestow the name of the regiment to one of its ships, thus HMS Marksman was renamed as HMS MARATTA. In 1944 HMS MARATTA sank fighting the German Navy and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy, 10 officers and 209 sailors went down with it.
INS Mumbai, is a state of the art Delhi Class Guided Missile destroyer and is a prime operational asset in the arsenal of the Indian Navy. It is the 10th warship built by the Mazagon Docks Limited, Mumbai and was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 2001. History has it that in 1942 as a tribute to the Maratha Light Infantry’s contribution and achievements in the World War II, the British Admiralty decided to bestow the name of the regiment to one of its ships, thus HMS Marksman was renamed as HMS MARATTA. In 1944 HMS MARATTA sank fighting the German Navy and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy, 10 officers and 209 sailors went down with it.
In order to further heighten the historic association between the Marathas and the Indian Navy, in January 2003, in a glittering ceremony, INS Mumbai was operationally affiliated with the Maratha LI Regiment. From then till date large number of battalions of the Regiment have strengthened this bonds during conduct of amphibious and peace keeping operations. Today both INS Mumbai and Maratha Light Infantry strive to renew this bond by operational acts and social interaction to carry this association to greater heights.
COAST GUARD
The affiliation between Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and Coast Guard Air Station Daman has a historical background. The airfield of Daman being of strategic importance, was captured by 1st Maratha LI (Jangi Paltan) of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and subsequently Daman was liberated from the Portuguese rule on 19 December 1961. The spirit behind the affiliation between Maratha LI and Indian Coast Guard Air Station at Daman was aimed to foster greater understanding and build up awareness of the culture, traditions and operational ethos of two services.
On 11 Oct 2008 at an historic affiliation ceremony, Indian Coast Guard Air Station Daman was affiliated with the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. It was the proud moment for Indian Coast Guards as it was the first occasion in the history of Indian Coast Guard. The affiliation fosters better understanding of each other’s operational potential. It also harmonises and encourages active participation in each other’s sports and adventure activities. The affiliation is an instrument to bind the two services in strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie.