VAdm Damle new Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of SNC

Kochi, July 28 (UNI) Vice-Admiral S K Damle assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) today.

On arrival, he was received by Vice Admiral JS Bedi, and inspected a 50-man Guard of Honour with President's Colours and the 18 platoons on parade, commanded by Cdr Atul Nag.

He was introduced to the Flag Officers and Commanding Officers of Ships and Establishments of the Command after which the outgoing Commander-in-Chief took the salute as the platoons advanced in 'Review Order'.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy in December 1970, Vice Admiral Damle joined the fighter stream in the Fleet Air Arm (Naval Aviation) after initial training with the Indian Air Force.

He has flown various types of aircraft in the Navy and Air Force including the carrier-borne 'Sea Harrier' aircraft. A qualified flying instructor, he headed the carrier-borne fighter squadron 'INAS 300' (White Tigers) and commanded the Naval Air Station, INS Hansa at Goa.

He commanded the missile corvette 'INS Hosdurg', missile frigate 'INS Gomati' and the aircraft carrier 'INS Viraat'.

An alumnus of National Defence College, New Delhi, Vice Admiral Damle had held office as the Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area, Flag Officer Naval Aviation, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air) and was Controller Personnel Services at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy), prior to taking up his present appointment.

After formally handing over the charge to Vice Admiral Damle at the Headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Bedi departed for Mumbai where he would take over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command on July 31 from Vice Admiral S S Byce.

UNI