New Delhi, Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff by the Union government, centre announced on Tuesday.
Kumar, who is currently serving as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, would succeed incumbent Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh.
Singh is set to retire on November 30 and would hand over the charge to Kumar.
"Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar PVSM, AVSM, VSM, presently Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of 30th November 2021. The present Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, retires from service on 30th November, 2021," the government statement said.
Born on April 12, 1962 Kumar was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on January 1, 1983.
Decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Kumar has served the Indian Navy for nearly 39 years.
During his long and distinguished service, he has served in various capacities in Command, Staff and Instructional appointments.
Before taking over as FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, he was Chief of Integrated Staff Committee of HQ IDS.
Kumar’s Sea Command includes INS Nishank, Missile Corvette, INS Kora and Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvir. He also commanded the Indian Navy’s Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat.
He has also served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet.
Meanwhile, Kumar has undergone courses at the Naval War College, US, Army War College, Mhow and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.
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