CHENNAI: Sixth batch officer and Inspector General Rajan Bargotra took charge as Commander of Coast Guard Region (East) on Saturday.
He replaced Commander S P Sharma, who retired after putting in 35 years and four months’ service. Sharma was given a ceremonial farewell by Coast Guard.
At a joint press conference, Sharma recalled his stint of five years and four months as the commander when the organisation excelled in all spheres, acquiring new ships.
Commander Bargotra, who joined Coast Guard in January 1985, stressed on the need to strengthen the coast security mechanism.
An alumni of the National Defence College, Naval Higher Command Course and Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, Inspector General Bargotra said his priority was now to creating infrastructure for a large number of assets acquired by the Coast Guard.
Prior taking over on promotion to the rank of Inspector General, he was Principal Director (Logistics) at Coast Guard headquarters. He has held various important operational and staff appointments both afloat and ashore.