Bedi takes charge of Western Naval Command

Mumbai, July 31: Vice-Admiral Jagjit Singh Bedi took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Western Naval Command from Vice-Admiral Sangram Sigh Byce, at an impressive ceremonial parade held at the naval air station Kunjali here today.

Vice Admiral Byce retired today from service after his superannuation.

An alumnus of National Defence College as well as Royal Navy Staff College, Greenwich (UK) and the Naval War College, Rhode Island (US), Vice Admiral Bedi was heading the Southern Naval Command at Kochi prior to his present posting.

On arriving at the parade, Vice-Admira Bedi was received by outgoing FOC-in-C V. Adm Byce. The Admiral inspected a 50-man Guard of Honour with President's Colours and the platoons on parade, commanded by Cdr Sanjay Panda.

Commissioned as an officer in the Indian Navy in July 1969, V. Adm Bedi has specialised in communication and electronic warfare. He has the distinction of commanding ships of various sizes, which include the guided-missile destroyer 'INS Ranvir' and the aircraft carrier 'Viraat.

A recepient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and several others awards, V Adm Bedi also holds the distiction of being the Chief of Staff at the Western Naval Command at Mumbai during 'Operation Vijay'. He eventually spearheaded the operation of the Western Fleet as Fleet Commander including 'Operation Parakaram,' the premier sword arm of the Navy during the operation.

Among the other key appointments that V Adm Bedi has held in his 38-year-old career include Controller Warship Production and Acquisition and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff at the Naval Headquarters, New Delhi and Director of Naval Plans.

UNI