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Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006
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National

New Naval Chief lists priorities

Special Correspondent

Maritime surveillance, connectivity between naval platforms are a few

PHOTO: R.V. MOORTHY

ALL THE BEST: Newly appointed Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta (left) being greeted by the outgoing Naval Chief, Arun Prakash, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: Stressing the need to augment connectivity between naval platforms in order to facilitate the exchange of real-time information, the new Naval Chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, on Tuesday underlined the Navy's focus on network-centric operations.

With India emerging as an economic power in the region, the Navy, he said, was poised to play a major role and cited instances of its contribution in relief operations in the aftermath of the tsunami during December 2004, assistance to earthquake victims in Indonesia, and evacuation of stranded civilians of both India and neighbouring countries from war-torn Lebanon.

India needs ships with "longer legs, which can reach out and sustain themselves for long periods away from our shores," Admiral Mehta said after taking over.

Asked how the induction of Vikramaditya and Trenton, being acquired from the United States, would impact the Navy, Admiral Mehta said these inductions would add different dimensions to the Navy's capability and enhance its ability to influence the battle on land.

Outlining his priorities, Admiral Mehta said enhancement of maritime surveillance capability would be an area that would get immediate attention. He said he looked forward to the wholehearted support of the Navy in pulling together in these exciting times so that the Navy can continue to "Sail with Pride."

Admiral Mehta took over as the 19th Chief of the Naval Staff from Admiral Arun Prakash, who laid down office on Tuesday after 40 years of service. He paid tribute to the country's martyrs by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and then inspected a Guard of Honour at the lawns of South Block.

Born on August 18, 1947, Admiral Mehta is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned in the Navy in July 1967.

He is an aviator of the `old mould', having joined the Fleet Air Arm early, and, has extensively operated from our earlier aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, flying the Sea Hawk jet aircraft, an official release said.

He is a graduate of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defence College, New Delhi. Included among his long list of earlier important afloat and ashore appointments are the command of the frigates INS Beas and INS Godavari, as also that of the premier Naval Air Station - INS Garuda.

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