NEW DELHI: Admiral
Karambir Singh Friday assumed charge as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff. The Admiral has an extensive experience of flying the Chetak, Kamov-25 & Kamov-28 helicopters.
He is also the first helicopter pilot from the
Indian Navy to lead the naval armed forces. Having commanded missile
corvette INS Vijaydurg, guided-missile destroyers INS Rana & INS Delhi during his almost 40-year career, he will be Navy chief till November 2021
"My predecessors made sure that Navy has a solid foundation and has reached new heights. It'll be my endeavour to continue with their efforts and provide the nation with a Navy that's strong, credible and ready to meet security challenge in maritime domain," he said.
The appointment comes in the backdrop of the case initiated by Vice Admiral
Bimal Verma to quash Admiral Singh's appointment. The Armed Forces Tribunal on Wednesday deferred the case for four weeks.
The Navy Chief had earlier served as flag officer commanding Maharashtra & Gujarat Naval Area, director-general of Project Seabird, deputy chief & vice-chief of naval staff, &
Eastern Naval Command chief.