Biography of new chief of naval staff
You're referring to the recent appointment of Admiral R. Hari Kumar as the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy!
Here's a brief biography of Admiral R. Hari Kumar:
Early Life and Education
Admiral R. Hari Kumar was born on August 15, 1962, in Kerala, India. He completed his schooling from St. Xavier's School, Delhi, and later joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1981. He graduated from the NDA in 1983 and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1984.
Naval Career
Admiral Kumar has had a distinguished naval career spanning over 38 years. He has served in various capacities, including:
- Surface Warfare Officer: He has served on several warships, including the guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi, the guided-missile frigate INS Brahmaputra, and the aircraft carrier INS Viraat.
- Staff Officer: He has held various staff appointments, including as the Executive Officer of the Western Fleet, the Fleet Operations Officer of the Eastern Fleet, and the Director of Naval Operations (Surface).
- Flag Officer: He has commanded the guided-missile destroyer INS Mumbai, the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, and the Western Fleet.
- Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief: He has served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command and the Eastern Naval Command.
Awards and Decorations
Admiral Kumar has been awarded several prestigious awards and decorations, including:
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2019)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2015)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (2009)
- Sena Medal (1996)
Appointments and Assignments
Admiral Kumar has held several key appointments, including:
- Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (2020-2022)
- Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command (2020-2022)
- Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (2019-2020)
Chief of the Naval Staff
On May 30, 2022, Admiral R. Hari Kumar took over as the 29th Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, succeeding Admiral R. Hari Kumar (no relation). As the CNS, he is responsible for leading the Indian Navy and shaping its future strategy and operations.
I hope this brief biography provides a good overview of Admiral R. Hari Kumar's impressive naval career!