In an official briefing on Saturday, the Indian Navy announced two new senior officers. Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh was named Chief of Personnel, taking over the post that manages all Navy staff and support services. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar was appointed the 40th Chief of Materiel, responsible for procurement, maintenance and logistics across the fleet.
A quick look at Vice Admiral Singh
- Singh joined the Indian Navy on 1 July 1990 after graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla.
- His career spans both sea and shore duties, with a specialty in gunnery and missiles.
- He served aboard the destroyer Ranjit and the frigate Prahar, and was part of the commissioning crews of three indigenous warships: INS Brahmaputra (Gunnery Officer), INS Shivalik (Executive Officer), and INS Kochi (Commanding Officer).
- Singh commanded the corvette INS Vidyut and the frigate INS Khukri.
- He has taught at INS Dronacharya (the Gunnery School) and was Deputy Commandant of the Naval War College in Goa.
- In staff roles, he worked as Assistant Chief of Personnel (HRD), head of Naval Intelligence in Navy Headquarters, and with the Naval Work‑up Team.
- From November 2022, he led the Eastern Fleet, emphasizing the mission “Ordnance on Target.”
- In January 2024, after promotion to Vice Admiral, he became Controller of Personnel Services, driving improvements for Navy staff welfare.
- Before becoming Chief of Personnel, he served as Commandant of the NDA.
Awards and education
- Singh earned the Admiral Katari Trophy as the top cadet in his NDA batch.
- Under his command, INS Khukri received the Chief of Naval Staff’s Unit Citation in December 2011 for anti‑piracy operations.
- His honors include the FOC‑in‑C Commendation (2002), Nausena Medal (2020) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024).
- Academically, he holds an MSc and an MPhil in Defence & Strategic Studies.
- He completed staff courses at DSSC Wellington and the Naval War College, and has studied Maritime Intelligence at the National Intelligence University, Washington, and the United Nations Staff Officers Course in Stockholm.
About Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar
- Sivakumar was commissioned as an Electrical Officer on 1 July 1987.
- He holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from IIT Chennai, a postgraduate degree in Higher Defence Management from Osmania University, an MPhil from Madras University, and a diploma from the National Defence College.
- With more than 38 years of service, he has held key positions at Naval Headquarters, the Anti‑Terrorist Warfare (ATVP) command, Naval Dockyards and various sea commands.
- He served on ships such as Ranjit, Kirpan and Akshay, and commanded the premier electrical training center, INS Valsura.
These appointments strengthen the Indian Navy’s leadership, ensuring robust personnel management and efficient material support as the country navigates growing maritime challenges.
Source: ianslive
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