Admiral R. Hari Kumar, a Gunnery specialist and an advocate of integrated theatre commands, took over as Chief of the Naval Staff. He succeeds Admiral Karambir Singh, who retires upon superannuation, after an illustrious career, spanning over forty-one years, in the Indian Navy.
Admiral Kumar is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.
"It is a matter of great honour for me to take charge as the Chief of Naval Staff. Indian Navy's focus is on our national maritime interests and challenges," Admiral Kumar said as he received the Guard of Honour at the South Block in the national capital.
Who is Admiral Hari Kumar?
Admiral Hari Kumar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1983. In his career spanning over 38 years, he has commanded Coast Guard Ship C-01, IN Ships Nishank, Kora, Ranvir and the Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat.
A Gunnery specialist, he has held several key appointments, including Fleet Operations Officer and Fleet Gunnery Officer of Western Fleet, Executive Officer of INS Vipul, Gunnery Officer of INS Ranjit, commissioning GO of INS Kuthar and commissioning crew of INS Ranvir.
His shore appointments include Command Gunnery Officer at HQWNC, Naval Advisor to Government of Seychelles, UN Mission in Somalia (UNOSOM II) at Mogadishu and Training Commander, INS Dronacharya.
As a Flag Officer, he has served as Commandant of the Naval War College at Goa, Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Controller Personnel Services and Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters.
He has also served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs Of Staff Committee at the critical junction during the creation of the institution of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
He was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, WNC at Mumbai, prior to taking over as the Chief of the Naval Staff on November 30, 2021.
The ship analogy
At the annual Navy Day 2021, Admiral R Hari Kumar spoke on the importance of the word ship and how it is used in various ways in different walks of life. From relationships to partnership and sportsmanship and more, the admiral jolted down how the word ship is a part of everyone's lives when in fact it truly represents the Indian Navy. Admiral Kumar also shared his own version of what SHIP FIRST stands for.
Watch below:
#WATCH Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar speaks on the importance of the word ship for the Navy during the annual Navy Day 2021 press briefing pic.twitter.com/nmGgj4EqKF
— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2021
