Meet Vice Admiral Lanba, India's next naval chief

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba has been appointed as the new chief of the Indian Navy. He takes over from Admiral Robin Dhowan, who retires on May 31.

Here are few things you should know about the Vice Admiral:

>> Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba is a specialist in navigation and direction

>> An alumnus of National Defence Academy, he did his schooling from Mayo College, Ajmer. The Vice Admiral was commissioned in the executive branch of the Navy in January 1978

>> He is also an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, London and the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, where he also served as the faculty

>> He has served as Navigating Officer of INS Sindhudurg (Corvette) and INS Dunagiri (Frigate). During his illustrious service spanning over three decades, he commanded four frontline warships -- INS Kakinada (Minesweeper), INS Himgiri (Frigate), INS Ranvijay and INS Mumbai (Destroyers)

>> In the past, he has also held important staff assignments such as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet and Chief of Staff, Southern, Eastern and Western naval commands

>> Vice Admiral Lanba is a recipient of the Param Vishist Seva Medal and the Athi Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service of an exceptionally high order

>> Prior to assuming charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, he was Commandant of the National Defence College, Delhi since November 2012

>> He is married to Reena Lanba who is a qualified teacher but has been a home maker since past few years. They have two daughters and one son