KOCHI: Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla today assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief of the Southern Naval Command (SNC).
He took over from Vice Admiral A R Karve, who retired after 38 years of service.
Chawla was previously Chief of Personnel at the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy) at Delhi, a Defence release said.
It said that a ceremonial parade, comprising 16 platoons, including four armed platoons and a 50 man Guard of Honour was held at the naval base here on the occasion, in which both Admirals were accorded General Salutes.
The parade concluded with a 'March in Review Order'.
Subsequently, both Flag Officers carried out the formal handing/ taking over ceremony in the office of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, the release said.
Speaking to reporters prior to his departure, Karve expressed satisfaction at the synergy achieved by SNC with the civil administration of the state in responding to different 'Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief' (HADR) requirements.