Vice Admiral Lanba takes over as naval chief

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, on Tuesday, took charge as the Chief of Naval Staff replacing Admiral R K Dhowan, who superannuates from service.

"It is indeed an honour and a privilege for me to take over the command of the Indian Navy, one of the finest in the world," he said, adding that over the years, the Navy has turned into a modern and combat ready force capable of operating in all three dimensions.

"The men and women who man the navy are professionally trained, committed and patriotic and are committed to ensuring that our national interest are safeguarded anywhere, anytime and everywhere," he said.

Lanba was Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) Western Naval Command before taking over as Navy Chief.

Vice Admiral Lanba, 58, is a qualified specialist in navigation and direction course and will have a full three-year-term in office till May 31, 2019.

In a service spanning nearly 38 years, Vice-Admiral Lanba has served in a variety of Command, operational and staff appointments. He has commanded four frontline warships -- INS Kakinada (minesweeper), INS Himgiri (frigate) and destroyers INS Ranvijay and INS Mumbai.

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.

On Monday, officers of the Western Naval Command accorded Vice Admiral Lanba a warm send off, with the traditional 'Pulling Out' ceremony.

Addressing the personnel on parade, Vice Admiral Lanba complimented the personnel of the command who notwithstanding the constrains of the service have worked with synergy and teamw ork in ensuring that ships, submarines and aircraft are maintained in a high state of combat readiness at all times.

In keeping with the fragile maritime environment of the region, he said there is a need to be ever vigilant in all quarters and all fronts, adding that he had no doubt that fire power from units of fleet, flotillas and squadrons could be delivered appropriately should the need arise.

Pointing towards the International Fleet Review held recently at Visakhapatnam, Vice Admiral Lanba said presence of 50 countries in the review clearly indicates the growing stature of the country in the region.

He added that many countries have expressed the desire to cooperate and exercise with Indian Navy, which is indicative of professionalism, training and sound culture displayed by the service.

He also urged the need to continue working together to bring change and work smartly and apprised the personnel on the steps taken by WNC in addressing the long standing issue of shortage of married accommodation.