Adm R Hari Kumar new Chief of the Naval Staff
By A Draft Correspondent
Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC became India's 25th Chief of the Naval Staff as he assumed command of the Indian Navy on 30 November 2021. He succeeds Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC who, after an illustrious career spanning more than forty years in the navy, retired upon superannuation.
In a statement released earlier, Defence Ministry spokesperson A Bharat Bhushan Babu said, "The Government has appointed Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of November 30. The present Chief of the Naval Staff retires from service on November 30."
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| CHANGE OF COMMAND: Admiral R Hari Kumar (left) with retiring AdmiralKarambir Singh |
Before assuming the office of Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Kumar was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command at Mumbai. He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 January 1983.
In a career spanning over 38 years, Admiral Kumar has commanded Coast Guard Ship C-01, IN Ships Nishank, Kora, Ranvir and the Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat. A Gunnery specialist, he has held several key appointments, including Fleet Operations Officer and Fleet Gunnery Officer of Western Fleet, Executive Officer (EXO) of INS Vipul, Gunnery Officer (GO) of INS Ranjit, commissioning GO of INS Kuthar and commissioning crew of INS Ranvir.
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| WATCHFUL: Admiral R Hari Kumar during his charge taking ceremony at South Block in New Delhi |
Admiral R Hari Kumar's shore appointments include Command Gunnery Officer at HQWNC, Naval Advisor to Government of Seychelles, UN Mission in Somalia (UNOSOM II) at Mogadishu and Training Commander, INS Dronacharya. As a Flag Officer, he has served as Commandant of the Naval War College at Goa, Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF), Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Controller Personnel Services and Chief of Personnel (COP) at Naval Headquarters.
He has also served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at the critical junction during the creation of the institution of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
