New Naval Chief takes charge on October 31

New Delhi, Oct 31: Admiral Sureesh Mehta today assumed the office of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

He took charge from Admiral Arun Prakash, who retired today.

Adm Mehta commanded the Western Fleet, the 'Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy, during 'Operation Parakram'. He was awarded the 'Ati Vishist Seva Medal' in 1995 and 'Param Vishist Seva Medal' in 2005 for his meritorious services.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1967.

An aviator of the 'old mould', having joined the Fleet Air Arm early in his career, he has extensively operated from INS Vikrant, flying conventional jets and the Sea Hawk aircraft.

Serving as flag officer commanding-in-chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) since September 30, 2005, Adm Mehta was involved in numerous operational missions in the Bay of Bengal and South East Asia.

He also served as Director General, Coast Guard.

His other important appointments included the command of the frigates INS Beas and INS Godavari as also the premier Naval Air Station, INS Garuda.

During his career, he initiated new programmes in the Indian Navy such as the aircraft acquisition programme and construction of air defence ships, and established a strong and vibrant Indian Coast Guard.

UNI