Vice Admiral Surinder Pal Singh Cheema PVSM, AVSM, NM assumed command of Indian Southern Naval Command as its Commander in-Chief at a ceremonial parade held at INS Garuda on 19 June.
The Flag Officer prior to assuming the command laid a wreath at the War Memorial to offer remembrances to thousands of martyrs who had fought for the country.
The Admiral was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 January, 1977. He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasala, The Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington and the College of Naval Warfare (CNW), Mumbai. A specialist in Missile and Gunnery, he spent majority of his time on afloat and operational appointments. He has had the distinction of being the Commanding Officer of five frontline ships, namely, the missile boat INS Nishank, Mauritian Coast Guard OPV Vigilant, the missile corvette INS Khanjar, the stealth frigate INS Trishul and the prestigious Aircraft carrier INS Viraat.
His appointments ashore include the Commandant of the Naval Academy and Commanding Officer INS Mandovi. He also has the unique distinction of winning both the Lentaigne (Best Dissertation) and Scudder Medals (First in overall order of merit) while undergoing course at DSSC.
[mappress] Press Release, June 23, 2014; Image: Indian Navy