The Navy League has a tradition of keeping in touch with its members, especially the senior members.All our senior members attaining the age of 80 years are invited for a get-together at the Navy League Bureau. Some members unable to visit are visited to keep in touch and share the Navy League's ongoing events.
Born in 1935, he joined the RPN in 1954 and was commissioned in the Executive Branch in 1956. He later specialized in Navigation & Direction, a graduate of the Navy & Air Staff Colleges, he had a fair share of command and staff appointments to his credit. During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, as the ‘Flotilla Operations Officer’, he was a key member of the COMPAK staff onboardthe Flagship Babur during the Dwarka Bombardment Operation.
He was promoted to the brass rankin July 1971, commanded the CH class Destroyer PNS Shahjahan in 1976 and did a stint in the Military Wing of the Cabinet as SO Navy in 1978. On return to the Navy, he served as the Hydrographer of the Pakistan Navy and retired as a Commodore in 1985.I n this respect, Cdre Najmi, President NL accompanied by V/Adm Irfan, Cdre RashidUllah and CaptFarooq Herekar visited octogenarian Commodore Shahid Afzal at his residence.
Cdre Afzal due to some health issues is restricted in his movements. He was delighted to receive the NL team. An hour of ‘Gup Shup’ ensued, including reminisces of his naval career and about early Navy events. He treated the team to good titbits and tea. He also proudly showed his collection of art and memorabilia of the service including some mementoes (including a Ship’s Cap) that he had recently received from the Commanding officer of the newest PNS Shahjahan a Type 54 FFG PNS SHAHJAHAN (264).
He saidhe was deeply touched and appreciated this wonderful gesture which gave him immense happiness. Viewed in retrospect, the call on Cdre (Retd) Shahid Afzal was indeed a pleasure; seeing him in highspirits, remembering and praising the Navy, made us all feel elated. All NL members are requested to maintain the naval bonds not only with their contemporaries but also with all NL members, especially seniors in age around them. May our mutual bonds remain strong and unending.
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