VAdm Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM assumed charge as Chief of Personnel on 01 Apr 2023. The Flag Officer was commissioned on 01 January 1987 and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare.

His sea commands include that of the missile vessel INS Nirbhik, missile corvette INS Karmuk, stealth frigate INS Talwar, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya of which he was the commissioning Commanding Officer, having been associated with the Project for nearly four years. His Staff and Operational appointments include those as the Flag Lieutenant to FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, Operations Officer of the Mobile Missile Costal Battery, Fleet Gunnery Officer of the Western Fleet, Defence Advisor to the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Director at the Directorate of Staff Requirements, Naval Assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff and Principal Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation at the Naval Headquarters.

He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006 for services during the Tsunami Relief Operations in Sri Lanka/ Maldives, the Nao Sena Medal in 2015 for devotion to duty and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020. He is also a recipient of commendation by FOC-in-C Western Naval Command on two occasions and by the Chief of the Naval Staff. He was elevated to the Flag Rank in October 2016, and has served as the Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command and Controller Personnel Services at IHQMoD (Navy) prior taking over as Chief of Personnel.

The Admiral holds a graduate diploma with distinction in International Security Studies from the Naval Staff Course at US Naval War College, Rhode Island, a Master Degree in Weapon Technology and second Master Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. He is also recipient of the Best All Round Officer and First in Order of Merit trophies during his specialisation training.

With his extensive background in personnel management, he is uniquely qualified to take on this important role. His leadership and experience will be an invaluable asset to the Indian Navy as it continues to grow and evolve.

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VM/JSN           

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