Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba has taken over charge as the new Chief of the Naval Staff as his predecessor Admiral RK Dhowan retired from service. During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 38 years, Lanba has served in a variety of Command, operational and staff appointments. The Admiral is a recipient of the Param Vishist Seva Medal and the Athi Vishist Seva Medal for his distinguished service of an exceptionally high order.
His Sea Command includes commanding the minesweeper INS Kakinada, frigate INS Himgiri and Executive Officer of INS Viraat, the aircraft carrier. Admiral Lanba is a qualified specialist in navigation and direction course and will have a full three-year-term in office till May 31, 2019. His place as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command has been taken by Vice-Admiral Girish Luthra.
