Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, PVSM, AVSM, VSM took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai on Thursday.
Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar succeeds Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC who retired upon superannuation, after an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades in the Indian Navy.
At an impressive ceremonial parade at the Naval Air Station Shikra, the outgoing and incoming Cs-in-C were accorded a guard of honour after which they proceeded to the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command for a formal handing-taking over. On completion, Vice Admiral Luthra was “pulled out” in true Naval tradition.
An alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam and the National Defence Academy, Vice Admiral
Ajit Kumar was commissioned in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1981.
Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi in his last appointment prior to assuming charge as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command.
In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014 and Param Vishist Seva Medal in 2019 by the Hon’ble President of India.
As a specialist in Missiles and Gunnery, the Flag Officer has served onboard frontline warships of the in the country and abroad.