Mumbai, 28 Feb 2021

 

Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Western Naval Command at Mumbai today (February 28, 2021). He succeeds Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who retires upon superannuation, after an illustrious career, spanning forty years, in the Indian Navy. 

At a ceremony held at the Command Post of Headquarters, Western Naval Command, the outgoing and incoming Commanders-in-Chief were accorded a Guard of Honour after which the formal handing-taking over took place with the handing over of the baton to the new Commander-in-Chief. On assuming command Vice Admiral Hari Kumar laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh monument. 

Vice Adm Ajit Kumar, the outgoing Commander-in-Chief hands over the baton to Vice Adm R Hari Kumar at HQ Western Naval Command in Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. 

Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1983. He specialised in Gunnery and has commanded five ships including a Destroyer and the aircraft carrier INS Viraat. He has held important staff appointments both ashore and afloat and has also been Naval Advisor to the Government of Seychelles. On promotion to flag rank he has held the appointments of Commandant of Naval War College at Goa, Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Chief of Staff at Western Naval Command and Chief of Personnel at NHQ. The Flag Officer is a recipient of  the Vishisht Seva Medal,  Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service. 

Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar inspecting the Guard of Honour at a ceremony held at HQ Western Naval Command in Naval Dockyard, Mumbai

Vice Adm R Hari Kumar pays homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in life of duty at sea at the Gaurav Stambh monument at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai

The outgoing FOC-in-C, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC superannuated from service on February 28, 2021. The Admiral served at the helm of this premier naval Command since January 31, 2019. During his tenure, the WNC has seen extensive operational deployments in response to developing security situation post the Pulwama attack and the Galwan crisis across the Indian Ocean Region. During this period WNC was also at the forefront of anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden, as also Op Samudra Setu for evacuation of Indian nationals from various countries during COVID-19 pandemic.

 

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RT/SC/DR (Source: PRO Defence, Mumbai)

 

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