Raising maritime surveillance capability top priority: Mehta

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) Admiral Sureesh Mehta, who today took over as the 15th Chief of the Naval Staff, said ''enhancement of maritime surveillance capability will be an area of immediate attention''.

Underlining the Navy's focus on network-centric operations, he stressed the need for augmenting connectivity between naval platforms to facilitate the exchange of real-time information.

''With India's emergence as an economic power in the region, the Indian Navy is poised to play a major role in the coming years,'' he told reporters on the sidelines of the taking-over ceremony.

Adm Mehta took charge from Admiral Arun Prakash, who retired today after 40 years of distinguished service.

Recalling the Navy's participation in relief operations in the aftermath of December 2004 tsunami and the recent evacuation of stranded civilians from war-torn Lebanon, the new Naval Chief said: ''We need ships with 'longer legs' which can reach out and sustain themselves for long periods away from the shores.'' Asked how the induction of 'Vikramaditya and 'Trenton', acquired from the US, would affect the Navy, he said these would add different dimensions to the Navy's cabability and enhance its ability to influence the battle on land.

''I look forward to your wholehearted support in pulling together in these exciting times so that the Navy can continue to sail with pride,'' he said in a message to the navymen.

In the morning, Adm Mehta paid tributes to the country's martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and inspected a Guard of Honour at the lawns of South Block.

Later, Adm Prakash, the outgoing chief, handed over the baton to Adm Mehta in his office.

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.

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