Admiral R Hari Kumar on Tuesday took charge as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff succeeding Admiral Karambir Singh who retired from service upon superannuation.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, has commanded Coast Guard Ship C-01, IN Ships Nishank, Kora, Ranvir and the Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat.
Admiral Kumar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1983. A Gunnery specialist, Admiral R Hari Kumar has held several key appointments, including Fleet Operations Officer and Fleet Gunnery Officer of Western Fleet, Executive Officer (EXO) of INS Vipul, Gunnery Officer (GO) of INS Ranjit, commissioning GO of INS Kuthar and commissioning crew of INS Ranvir, PIB Defence Wing said in a statement.
Admiral Kumar's 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 (FOST), Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF), Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Controller Personnel Services and Chief of Personnel (COP) at Naval Headquarters.
Admiral R Hari Kumar was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command at Mumbai, prior taking over helm as Chief of the Naval Staff.
During his distinguished career spanning over 38 years, Admiral Kumar has also served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at the critical junction during the creation of the institution of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
