Defending the P482
 

LCDR Rumesh Gomes is the first to become a notable navy hero from a distinguished family hailing from the southern town of Matara. Having attended St.Aloysious College right after he finished his AL, he joined the Navy on the June 20, 1994. His wife was also in the Navy but preferred to stay at home to take care of their children.

LCDR Gomes was one of the OICs aboard the P482 called in as reinforcements to help protect the 'Pride of South' vessel that was taking 1400 army officers from KKS to PPD.

Date : 17th September 2001
Time : 0630hrs
Location : Near the port of KKS

"When the call came in to protect the 'Pride of South', I was assigned to supervise the P482 FAC which was a temporary vessel that I wasn't familiar with", said LCDR Gomes. "Nevertheless, I decided to sail forth with my men to defend our army comrades because the lives of the whole battalion were at stake", reminisced.

LCDR Gomes steered forward towards the situation of terror and mustering every inch of courage, he got his men in their positions. Attacking the enemy fleet that was rising in numbers, they too came with their reinforcements to bring down the 'Pride of South'.

"We could barely make out the sea tigers even as the sun rose but we used maximum firepower to suppress them", said LCDR Gomes. They fired using weapons in the range of 20mm calibre and 12.7mm calibre and finally brought down some enemy ships.

0900hrs: Suddenly, the P482 was hit on the roof of its vessel by enemy attack. LCDR Gomes managed to duck for cover at the head. Even before first aid reached him, he was presumed as dead.

Fighting intensified for 4 hours and thereafter, they successfully defeated the LTTE boats with their weaponry. "We did as much to put them down by fighting on the defensive attack and used their strategies against them" recounted LCDR Gomes. The trick is to use the opponents' strategies against them so that they are caught by surprise. This made the navy victorious in defeating the LTTE. "We saw them withdrawing in the face of our onslaught", he concluded.

The Lt.Commander mentioned that the sea tigers, who were thought to be dangerous as they are suicide bombers in the sea, have only young and inexperienced blood. They aren't knowledgeable at all and have been brainwashed to kill themselves and taking the lives of several others. However, the navy today trains personnel in these areas with brains as well as brawn to suppress enemy attacks intelligently.

"We are given professional training in First Aid, Practice and Live Training, Blindfold training and Movements Training which are immensely beneficial when we are at the war zone", explained LCDR Rumesh Gomes.

For his bravery shown in defending his nation and overcoming all obstacles to serve his Motherland, LCDR Rumesh Gomes was awarded the RWP (Rana Wickrama Paddakama).