The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : New Naval Command Chief takes charge

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

New Naval Command Chief takes charge

Staff Reporter

Indian Navy's role in promoting regional security being recognised, says S.C.S. Bangara

HANDING OVER CHARGE: Vice Admiral J.S. Bedi (left) takes charge as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, from Vice Admiral S.C.S. Bangara in Kochi on Monday.

KOCHI: Vice Admiral J.S. Bedi formally took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command on Monday at a parade held at the Naval Base here.

The Vice Admiral, who arrived on parade after laying a wreath at the War Memorial, was received by Vice Admiral S.C.S. Bangara. He inspected a 50-man guard of honour and the 36 platoons on parade, commanded by Commander A.S. Patankar.

The Vice Admiral was introduced to the Flag Officers and Commanding Officers of ships and establishments of the Command, after which the outgoing Commander-in-Chief took the salute.

In his farewell speech at the parade, Vice Admiral Bangara said that the technology the Navy operates, the kind of platforms in its inventory and the talented and dedicated human resources, would make any Navy proud. "The significance of our Navy in promoting national and regional security is being increasingly recognised and acknowledged, not just in India but also in other important countries of the neighbourhood," he said. "Our Navy is poised for a very challenging and bright future," he added.

Farewell

The formal handing/taking over ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command. Later, at the ceremonial pulling-out by senior officers of the Command, Vice Admiral Bangara acknowledged the `Three Jai's' by officers and sailors who had lined up on either side of the road to bid him farewell. Accompanied by his wife Gita Rani Bangara, he departed for Pune, on his retirement from the Navy on superannuation, after an illustrious career spanning about 40 years.

The new chief of the Command is a specialist in communication and electronics warfare. He has held many key positions, notable amongst them being Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans); Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command and Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet. He has commanded several ships including the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvir and the Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat.

He is a recipient of the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).

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