New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh has officially taken over as the Chief of Personnel for the Indian Navy, with Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar assuming the role of the 40th Chief of Materiel on Saturday, as confirmed by an official statement.

Graduating from the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Vice Admiral Singh was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1990. Over his distinguished career, he has held numerous significant positions both at sea and on land. As a specialist in Gunnery and Missiles, he has served on various Indian Naval Ships, including Ranjit and Prahar. Notably, he was part of the commissioning crew for three indigenous warships: INS Brahmaputra as Gunnery Officer, INS Shivalik as Executive Officer, and INS Kochi as Commanding Officer. His command experience also includes INS Vidyut and INS Khukri.

Vice Admiral Singh has served as an instructor at INS Dronacharya (the Gunnery School) and has held the position of Deputy Commandant at the Naval War College in Goa. His extensive staff experience includes roles such as Assistant Chief of Personnel (HRD) and positions within the Directorate of Naval Intelligence and the Indian Naval Work-up Team.

In November 2022, he became the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, where he maintained a high level of operational readiness, focusing on the mission 'Ordnance on Target.'

Upon his promotion to Vice Admiral in January 2024, he took on the role of Controller Personnel Services, implementing various projects aimed at enhancing the working conditions for naval personnel and their families. Prior to his current position, he served as the Commandant at the NDA.

Vice Admiral Singh received the Admiral Katari Trophy for achieving 'First in Overall Order of Merit' during his initial training. His leadership of INS Khukri led to the ship being awarded the Chief of Naval Staff's Unit Citation in December 2011 for outstanding operational effectiveness, particularly in anti-piracy missions. His accolades also include the FOC-in-C Commendation in 2002, the Nausena Medal in 2020, and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024.

Vice Admiral Singh holds an MSc and MPhil in Defence & Strategic Studies. His training includes the Staff Course at DSSC Wellington, Higher Command courses at the Naval War College, and NDC courses in India. He has further enhanced his education with courses like the Maritime Intelligence Course at the National Intelligence University in Washington, and the United Nations Staff Officers Course in Stockholm, Sweden.

Vice Admiral Sivakumar is a graduate of the 70th NDA Course and was commissioned as an Electrical Officer in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987.

With a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Chennai, he also holds a postgraduate degree in Higher Defence Management from Osmania University, an M. Phil from Madras University, and is an alumnus of the National Defence College.

Over his remarkable 38-year career, Vice Admiral Sivakumar has held key roles at Naval Headquarters, HQ ATVP, Naval Dockyards, and various Command Headquarters. His frontline experience includes serving on Indian Navy ships Ranjit, Kirpan, and Akshay, and commanding the premier Electrical Training Base, INS Valsura.