NEW DELHI: Vice Admiral Raman Prem Suthan, AVSM VSM, has taken over as the new Vice Chief of Naval Staff at a solemn occasion held in the precincts of the South Block.

He took over from Vice Admiral Nirmal Verma, PVSM, AVSM, ADC who now proceeds to Vishakhapatnam and will be taking over as the next Flag Officer Commanding–in–Chief of the prestigious Eastern Naval Command. Vice Admiral Suthan returns back to New Delhi after a highly rewarding and successful year at the helm of Eastern Naval Command. A smart guard of honour followed by in –office ceremony signified the handing over.

Vice Admiral RP Suthan had an excellent tenure at Visakhapatnam and under his stewardship, the Eastern Naval Command has been well and truly on its way to being the 'Happy and Fighting Fit' Command that he set out to build on assuming Charge on 30 April 07.

Under his leadership, ships from the Command visited countries in Asia, Middle East, South East Asia and Europe and were involved in Exercises with all major navies of the world, both at home and away.

The Naval Dockyard, apart from a record number of refits of own ships, had successfully taken on the refits of ships from Sri Lanka and Maldives as well. Showcasing of the Indian Navy's prowess through Operational Demonstrations all along the East Coast, and even at Vijaywada during the navy week celebrations brought in much appreciation and understanding of the Navy and the Command.  New inductions during the period include the Landing Platform Dock, INS Jalashwa, with a squadron of six Utility helicopters, and INS Kesari. Expansion of Dega Airfield, extended day operations and impending Night landing facilities for Civil Flights, all fruits of his perseverance, have endeared him to the local populace.

Born on 14 August 1949, the Admiral is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad.

He saw action early in life as Navigating Officer, INS Kavaratti, when engaged in intense conflict during the 1971 war off erstwhile East Pakistan. During his long and illustrious career, Admiral Suthan has held various Staff, Instructional, Operational and Command appointments that include the Command of five frontline ships and of the Eastern Fleet.

His appointments ashore include the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Defence Advisor to High Commission of India, Singapore, Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource development), Controller Personnel Services and Chief of Staff of Southern and Eastern Naval Commands.