Vice-Admiral Shekhar Sinha to head Western Naval Command

Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha on Tuesday took over as the flag officer commanding-in-chief, Western Naval Command.

He took over from Vice Admiral D K Joshi at an impressive ceremonial parade at INS Shikra, in south Mumbai.

Vice Admiral Joshi, after a tenure of 16 months as the commander-in-chief, will take over as the next chief of the naval staff on August 31.

Vice Admiral Sinha, the senior-most aviator in the navy, was commissioned on June 1, 1974 into the Naval Aviation Fighter Stream. He was awarded Pronobe De Trophy for standing first during the operational flying training. He graduated as a flying instructor from FIS, Tambaram and instructed on Kiran aircraft at Air Force Academy. He has held the command of two Sea Harrier Squadrons and the Naval Air Station at Goa.

During his long naval career, Vice Admiral Sinha has commanded the Coast Guard Ship Ranijindan (during OP -- Pawan), IN Ships Saryu, Shakti and the Missile Destroyer Delhi. He was the fleet operations officer of the Western Fleet during OP- Parakram.

In the flag rank, he has held the prestigious appointments of flag officer naval aviation, flag officer commanding Goa naval area as well as assistant chief of naval staff (Air). He has also held the command of sword arm of the navy, the western fleet.

He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, College of Naval Warfare and National Defence College. The Flag Officer is a recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and two gallantry awards Nau Sena Medal and Bar.

Prior to the new posting, he was the chief of the integrated defence staff to the chairman, chiefs of the staff committee.