New Delhi: Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan today took over as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS). Upon assuming office, he paid homage to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, followed by a solemn tribute at the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’. He was later accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block.
An alumnus of the 71st course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, Vice Admiral Vatsayan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1988. A specialist in Gunnery and Missile Systems, he brings over 36 years of extensive experience across command, operational, and strategic roles.
Prior to this appointment, he served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans) at Naval Headquarters and previously held the post of Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF). His other significant assignments include Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy, Plans and Force Development), Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), Chief of Staff at Eastern Naval Command Headquarters, and Deputy Commandant at the NDA.
For his exemplary service, Vice Admiral Vatsayan has been decorated with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Nau Sena Medal (NM).
Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, previously serving as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, has assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Western Naval Command. He took over from Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh at a ceremony.
