Mumbai: Vice-Admiral Girish Luthra on Monday assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command (WNC) from Vice-Admiral Sunil Lanba at a ceremonial parade held at the Indian Navy’s helicopter base INS Shikra.

Lanba will be proceeding to New Delhi on Tuesday to take over as the Chief of Naval Staff from Admiral R.K. Dhowan. Addressing the personnel on parade, Lanba complimented the sailors and told them that, notwithstanding the constraints of service, they have worked with synergy in ensuring that ships, submarines and aircraft were maintained in a high state of combat readiness at all times.

He said that in keeping with the fragile maritime environment of the region, there is a need to be ever vigilant on all fronts. He added that he had no doubt that fire power from units of fleet, flotillas and squadrons can be delivered appropriately if the need arose.

Pointing towards the International Fleet Review held recently in Visakhapatnam, he said the presence of 50 countries in the review clearly indicated the growing stature of India in the region. He added that many countries expressed the desire to cooperate and exercise with the Indian Navy, which is indicative of professionalism, training and sound culture displayed by the service.

He also apprised the personnel on the steps taken by WNC in addressing the long-standing issue of shortage of accommodation for married personnel.

Luthra, who took over as WNC chief, was previously Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command.

He was commissioned in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy in July 1979 and is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pune, the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Naval Command War College, United States.

A navigation and direction specialist, the officer served in many operational and staff billets afloat as well as ashore in a career spanning more than three decades.

His significant afloat tenures include the command of Indian Naval Ships Khukri (guided missile corvette), Talwar (guided missile frigate) and Viraat (aircraft carrier), besides being the Flag Officers Commanding, Western Fleet, during 2011-12.

Luthra has a rich professional experience in fields of foreign cooperation, acquisitions, procurement, operations, plans, training and Tri-Services. His important staff appointments include Deputy Naval Attache to High Commission of India at London, Principal Director Naval Plans and Director General of Naval Plans.

He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2012 and Vishisht Seval Medal in 2008.