In Pics: Admiral Karambir Singh assumes command as 24th Navy Chief

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday took charge as the new Navy chief after a military tribunal on Wednesday gave the green signal for the major rejig.

"My predecessors made sure that Navy has a solid foundation&has reached new heights. It'll be my endeavour to continue with their efforts&provide the nation with a Navy that's strong, credible&ready to meet security challenge in maritime domain," he said.

Admiral Karambir Singh is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai and has served as Directing Staff in both these institutions.

In his career spanning over 39 years, he has commanded Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi, Missile Corvette INS Vijaydurg, as well as two Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Rana and INS Delhi.

He has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Ashore, he has served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai.

Singh's appointment as the next navy chief was challenged by Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma who had approached the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). Verma in his petition has said that Singh's appointment was made overlooking his seniority.

However, the military tribunal on Wednesday allowed Vice Admiral Karambir Singh to take charge as the new Navy Chief on May 31 and deferred the hearing on a petition challenging his appointment by nearly seven weeks.