PIB Defence
Imphal May 6: The Government has appointed Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, presently Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) Western Naval Command as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of May 31, 2016. The present Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan will superannuate from service on May 31, 2016.
Born on July 17, 1957, Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba was commissioned on January 01, 1978 into the Executive Branch of Indian Navy. During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 38 years, he has served in a variety of Command, operational and staff appointments. Vice Admiral Lanba’s Sea Command includes commanding the minesweeper INS Kakinada, frigate INS Himgiri and Executive Officer of INS Viraat, the aircraft carrier. Before taking over as FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command, he was FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff and Commandant, National Defence College.
Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba is a qualified specialist in navigation and direction course. He attended the course at the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. Vice Admiral Lanba is a recipient of ParamVishistSeva Medal and AtiVishistSeva Medal. He is married to Mrs.ReenaLanba and the couple have a son and two daughters.