Vice Admiral Venkat Bharatan, an aviator and submariner, took over as the new Vice Chief of Naval Staff in New Delhi on Monday.

Commissioned into the Navy in 1967, Bharatan, a recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Vishist Seva Medal, replaces Vice Admiral Yashwant Prasad who retired on Monday.

Bharatan, presently Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters, has been Flag Officer commanding Eastern Fleet, Goa area and Flag Officer - Sea Training, an official release said.