Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla has taken over as the new Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, succeeding Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar. A 1989-batch officer, Bhalla has held key naval and diplomatic positions in his 36-year career
Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan. Pic/PTI
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla on Friday assumed charge as the new Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command here, as reported by news agency PTI.
Sanjay Bhalla succeeded Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, who superannuated earlier on Thursday.
While addressing the investiture of the new flag officer of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command, the release stated, "Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, at an impressive ceremonial parade held at Visakhapatnam on October 31, upon the superannuation of Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar," as cited by news agency PTI.
Soon after taking charge, Naval Chief Bhalla inspected the ceremonial guard and reviewed the platoons of naval and DSC personnel representing various ships and establishments of the command.
The official release further stated that, “The ceremony was attended by all flag officers and commanding officers of ships, submarines, and establishments,” as cited by news agency PTI.
Sanjay Bhalla was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1989, and in a career spanning 36 years, he has held several command and staff appointments, both afloat and ashore, as reported by news agency PTI.
Following the completion of his specialisation course in communication and electronic warfare, Bhalla served as a specialist on board several frontline warships.
He has held various challenging commands at sea, including INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, INS Beas, and the prestigious post of Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
During his tenure as FOCEF, Bhalla was the Officer-in-Tactical Command for the President's Fleet Review (PFR-22) and the sea phase of the Indian Navy's flagship multinational exercise MILAN-22, which witnessed participation from several friendly foreign countries.
The release also added, “Bhalla has also held important staff appointments ashore, including ACOP (HRD) at Naval Headquarters, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Director MDCC, and a diplomatic assignment overseas. Before assuming charge as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, he was the chief of personnel (COP) at the Naval Headquarters,” as cited by news agency PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
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