Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba Takes Over as Chief of Naval Staff

Lanba had been appointed as the Chief of Naval Staff on 6 May.

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba (left) handing over to Vice-Admiral Girish Luthra (right). (Photo: IANS)

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took charge as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) in New Delhi, on Tuesday, and vowed to ensure that the maritime domain of the country is safe and secure. He took over from the current CNS Admiral RK Dhowan.

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. 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. 

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba takes over as Chief of Naval Staff. (Photo: ANI)

On Monday, Lanba handed over to Vice Admiral Girish Luthra as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. He had been appointed as the Chief of Naval Staff on 6 May.

An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Lanba is the 21st Indian to be the Navy Chief. The first two were British.

In the past, he has commanded four frontline warships – INS Kakinada (minesweeper), INS Himgiri (frigate) and INS Ranvijay and INS Mumbai.

Lanba has also held key staff assignments such as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet and the Chief of Staff, Southern and Eastern Naval Commands. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command at Kochi, prior to being appointed to head the Western Naval Command.

A recipient of the Param Vishist Seva Medal and the Athi Vishist Seva Medal, Lanba is a qualified specialist in navigation and direction course. He will be in office for a 3-year-term up till 31 May 2019.

The new Naval Chief of Staff, Sunil Lanba addresses the press. (Photo: ANI)

(With inputs from PTI)