Lt Cdr Gomes joined the Navy after graduating from Wadia College of Poona University in 1959. It was his generation of naval officers who laid the foundation for the present Navy. Lt Cdr Gomes took part in the 1961 Operation Vijay on the INS Cauvery, the gunboat No.2 that was engaged in the shoot out with the Portuguese frigate Albuquerque in Mormugao.
[In Gunboat No.1 was Cdr Noel Kelvin, who was injured in the leg when Portuguese defenders first hoisted the white truce flag and then, in a blatant war crime, opened fire after Indian naval officers and men unsuspectingly walked out to the deck of the vessel. Cdr Kelvin lives in Goa, still coping with the consequences of the 1961 leg injury. Never has the Goa government thought of honouring these gallant defence officers and men, both Goan and not, who helped unshackle Goa of the colonial yoke – even as dozens of dubious "freedom fighters" have been.]
Lt Cdr Gomes was involved in the landing and called upon to assist in the take over of the Goa administration. He commanded the Shore Defence Boat during the 1965 war. He later was Instructor at INS Venduruthy, Cochin. After many shore and sea jobs, he was again transferred to Goa and was Staff Officer-Ops in Goa during the 1971 war. Retired as Asst Director-Naval Ops from Naval HQ, New Delhi. Lives in Goa. From Borda-Margao.
Source: Pages 143-144
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