Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba to take over as Naval Staff Chief today

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) Western Naval Command, will take over as the next Chief of the Naval Staff on 31 May.

Lanba will take over even as the current Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral, RK Dhowan, superannuates from service.

On 30 May, officers of the Western Naval Command accorded Vice Admiral Lanba a warm send off, with the traditional 'Pulling Out' ceremony.

Addressing the personnel on parade, Vice Admiral Lanba complimented the personnel of the command who notwithstanding the constrains of the service have worked with synergy and teamwork in ensuring that ships, submarines and aircraft are maintained in a high state of combat readiness at all times.

In keeping with the fragile maritime environment of the region, he said there is a need to be ever vigilant in all quarters and all fronts, adding that he had no doubt that fire power from units of fleet, flotillas and squadrons could be delivered appropriately should the need arise.

Pointing towards the International Fleet Review held recently at Visakhapatnam, Vice Admiral Lanba said presence of 50 countries in the review clearly indicates the growing stature of the country in the region.

He added that many countries have expressed the desire to cooperate and exercise with Indian Navy, which is indicative of professionalism, training and sound culture displayed by the service.

Born on 17 July 1957, Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba was commissioned on 1 January 1978 into the Executive Branch of Indian Navy.

During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 38 years, he has served in a variety of Command, operational and staff appointments.

Vice Admiral Lanba's Sea Command includes commanding the minesweeper INS Kakinada, frigate INS Himgiri and Executive Officer of INS Viraat, the aircraft carrier.

Before taking over as FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command, he was FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff and Commandant, National Defence College.

Vice Admiral Lanba is a qualified specialist in navigation and direction course.

He attended the course at the Royal College of Defence Studies, the UK. Vice Admiral Lanba, who is a recipient of Param Vishist Seva Medal and Ati Vishist Seva Medal, is married to Reena Lanba and the couple have a son and two daughters.

--ANI