Sunil Lanba takes over as Indian Navy chief

New Delhi: The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba being handed over the baton by the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.K. Dhowan, in New Delhi on May 31, 2016. (Photo: IANS/PIB)

New Delhi- Admiral Sunil Lanba on Tuesday assumed command of the Indian Navy, as the 23rd chief of naval staff.

Prior to taking over as Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Lanba has been the Flag Officer commanding-in-chief of the Southern and Western Naval Commands.

“He provided impetus to training and skill development, synergising combat operations, coastal security, safety and infrastructure development along the Western seaboard and in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands,” said a ministry of defence statement.

A navigation and direction specialist, Admiral Lanba served as the Navigation and Operations Officer onboard numerous ships in both the eastern and western fleets, the statement added.

“His nearly four decades of experience includes tenure at sea, ashore at various headquarters, Operational and Training establishments as well as tri-services institutions,” it said.

The statement further said: “His sea tenure includes command of INS Kakinada, a specialised Mine Counter Measure Vessel, INS Himgiri, the indigenous Leander class Frigate, INS Ranvijay, a Kashin class destroyer and INS Mumbai, the indigenous Delhi class destroyer.”

He has also been the executive Officer of the aircraft carrier, INS Viraat and the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western fleet. On promotion as vice admiral, he has been the Chief of staff, Eastern Naval Command, and Commandant of the National Defence College.

“In his capacity as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, the Admiral streamlined the frame work for transformation of Indian Navy’s combat capabilities and infrastructure development as well as tri-services initiatives towards enhancing integration and jointness,” read the statement.

The Admiral is a recipient of Param Vishist Seva Medal and Ati Vishist Seva Medal for meritorious service and is also the Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the President of India.